Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

In addition to heavy-hitting ensembles from the national frontlines, Friday night’s bill will shine a light on the region’s abundant local talent, welcoming an all-star cast of bands to the stage. With highlights including the celebrated Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Pierce Edens, Joe Lasher, and Camp Henry (which calls Lake Logan home) alum Noah Proudfoot & The Botanicals, attendees will enjoy a curated dose of entertainment with a community thread tying it all together. Having started as an effort to raise awareness for Camp Henry and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Cold Mountain Music Festival continues to support the mission of inclusivity and engage participants from all backgrounds. 

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

Cold Mountain Music Festival 2020 Lineup

Sam Bush Band
Charley Crockett
Blitzen Trapper
Amythyst Kiah
Futurebirds
Sierra Ferrell
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
Pierce Edens
Joe Lasher
Noah Proudfoot and the Botanicals

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and live event industry standstill, North Carolina based booking agency Midwood Entertainment and premiere event production company Codex Sound have combined forces to offer live music lovers a rare opportunity to experience top grade full band performances broadcasted live to their devices. Coined No Contact Concert Series, the weekly showcases take place just east of Asheville in Codex Sound’s 14,000 square foot warehouse. With the company’s busiest season decimated by pandemic-related cancellations and scores of audio and video equipment sitting idle, Codex production manager John Crawford saw where their resources could be utilized during the great pause. “[Artists] were dealing with the threat of not being able to connect with their audiences and, at the same time, struggling to navigate how social media outlets might be able to provide a solution. That seemed like the perfect entryway for us,” explains Crawford. With partners Josh Goodfellow (owner, Codex Sound) and Micah Davidson of Midwood Entertainment, Crawford and his team are committed to raising the bar for both viewers and performers alike in the age of the digital shift. “That has always been our goal: to ensure that there would be a way for [artists] to play the best looking and best sounding shows possible,” he notes.

Designed as a solution to the limits that traditional at-home live streams present, No Contact Concert Series has traded iPhones and dining room tables for a professional grade stage and lighting rig, venue-quality audio inputs, and 12 camera angles, though the team’s shared DIY spirit is still at the forefront of everything they do. Crawford notes that, “while we’re privileged with the quality of equipment that we have at our disposal, the grassroots way in which we approached this project has allowed us to experiment with how we treat a live show.” And while most digital festivals are confined to solo performers, NCCS has the space and resources to safely host full musical outfits. With a rigorous day of show sanitation procedure and restrictions regarding on-site personnel numbers, NCCS has dialed in a prudent manifesto that puts well-being at the forefront of their efforts.

Curated by Midwood Entertainment president Micah Davidson, whose roster includes the likes of Acoustic Syndicate, The Black Lillies, and Big Daddy Love, and is responsible for curating talent at the nationally-touted Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival, and other events throughout the Southeast, the flagship lineup for No Contact Concert Series consists of both veteran and up-and-coming acts in the region, with a focus in developing artists whose career momentum was put on hold in the wake of the pandemic. With shows scheduled to take place through August, NCCS is looking forward to presenting Billboard chart-topping bluegrass duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge, GRAMMY-nominated string outfit Che Apalache, psychedelic folk extraordinaire Tall Tall Trees, and multi-award winning songwriter Amythyst Kiah, to name a few.

In addition to providing artists a platform, NCCS also grants music industry and crew members a chance to employ their areas of expertise and engage in the kind of gratifying work that many have been deprived of. “Production teams, marketing teams, and management teams were all basically out of jobs when this virus hit,” comments Davidson. “We wanted to give agents a chance to write a new contract, a band the chance to play a live show, and give people a little piece of mind during all the chaos going on in the world right now.” While high quality entertainment is a large part of what No Contact Concert Series is working to provide, a core part of the mission is raising morale in an industry that has been otherwise gutted. Crawford concludes, “Live music is what we all do, not only for a living but because it’s what we love. When that was threatened, our response was, ‘No, we’re going to figure this out. We’re going to make sure there’s a way to continue to put out live shows in a safe and productive environment.' That’s where it all started, and that’s what keeps driving us. We learn and adapt each week so that we keep testing the possibilities a little bit with each show. And we’re going to keep doing that as long as we’re helping musicians find ways to play live shows safely.”

No Contact Concert Series airs Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM Eastern. For more information and broadcasting links, visit www.crowd-less.com. A schedule of upcoming performances can be found below. 

No Contact Concert Series Summer Broadcast Schedule
06/13 - Darin & Brooke Aldridge
06/20 - Che Apalache
06/27 - Revelwood Mission
07/10 - TBA
07/18 - Tall Tall Trees
07/24 - The Fritz
08/01 - Cicada Rhythm
08/07 - Fireside Collective
08/14 - Amythyst Kiah
08/22 - TBA 
08/29 - 49 Winchester

Today, rising power trio Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats have unveiled their third studio release, Everyone Everywhere. A mixture of psychedelia, funk, retro-rock, and string arrangements with a hefty dose of social and political commentary woven in, the 6-song EP packs a big punch in just 25 minutes and easily marks the band's most mature and creatively eclectic work to date. A timely addition to the band’s growing discography, Everyone Everywhere implores a bold message perfectly fitted for the current climate, with well-balanced musings on both the darker sides of human nature and the encouraging trajectory of mankind. 

While heavier subjects like corporate greed and inequality are prominently featured in the condemnatory track “Funny Money,” more playful tunes like the sweet retro-inspired “Natural Romantic” offer listeners a much-needed respite from thinking about these turbulent times. An anthem in its own right, leading single “Stepping Stone” sets the stage for a short yet pungent magical mystery ride of psychedelia, funk, and jam-adjacent rock that is nothing short of enrapturing. The standout “Fear Mongers” starts with a hardy sample of Charlie Chaplin’s famed “The Great Dictator” speech (which required official approval from the late filmmaker’s rights-holding office in Paris), declaring that “the misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed” and segues perfectly with lead songwriter Andrew Scotchie’s “don’t wait / don’t hesitate / ‘cause the poor man can’t give what the rich man always takes,” artfully encapsulating the corrupt nature of capitalist society. Sonically, the record showcases Scotchie’s impressive guitar-slinging abilities and signature “brand of straight ahead-to-psychedelic swaths of rock” (Bristol Herald Courier), earning the young musician a seat alongside classic greats like Pete Townsend and Mike Campbell as well as contemporary favorites like Eric Gales.

With such timely social commentary embedded into every track, the new EP could easily be mistaken for a response to the ongoing pandemic, though the album was actually recorded months prior. Still, Scotchie welcomes the serendipity, and encourages his listeners to adopt their own takes on the lyrics, especially when they can be utilized to reclaim hope. Scotchie concludes the album with a universal offering in the title track “Everyone Everywhere,” suggesting "Even if you feel lonely / when this world is unkind / call on me, I'm sure you'll find / even when you feel you got nothing / everyone everywhere's got something." 

Everyone Everywhere is available for streaming on all major platforms today, Friday, June 26, 2020. Physical copies of the album and band merchandise can be purchased at www.andrewscotchiemusic.com.

Upcoming Live Streams
07/03 - Jam in YOUR Van - Youtube Live on Jam In The Van
07/11 - Live From The Orange Peel - Facebook & Youtube Live on IAMAVL

A full circle revival is underway for Asheville, NC’s Citizen-Times building. Once home to the daily paper’s printing facility and offices, the historic site will soon be unveiled with a new identity as a boutique vinyl pressing plant, record store and bar/cafe (and a new name): Citizen Vinyl. Founded by veteran music producer Gar Ragland and supported by a dream team of industry professionals and craftsmen, Citizen Vinyl is slated to become North Carolina’s first on site pressing plant, though its mission goes beyond just manufacturing great quality records.

With a craft-first approach that prioritizes quality and superior customer service, Citizen Vinyl hopes to make record production more manageable and accessible for both first-time vinyl clients and major label customers alike. With all shipping and manufacturing kept in-house, Citizen Vinyl will be able to fulfill low-volume orders at a budget friendly price and still maintain the bandwidth to execute large scale label projects.

Citizen Vinyl’s vision extends past vinyl manufacturing to embrace a role as a community hub and center for creative collaboration. Sharing the ground floor with the presses will be a fully-stocked record store, an intimate performance and lounge space and Session, a bar/cafe co-created by local culinary mainstays Susannah Gebhart of OWL Bakery and Graham House, formerly of Sovereign Remedies. The dining space will offer Citizen Vinyl visitors a casual, “workman's lunch” or pastry and coffee stop during the day, with more sophisticated cocktail offerings and dishes at night. Intended to be a multi use space, Session guests may choose between communal dining in the open concept seating area, or a “head down,” eat-and-work hour in one of the mezazzines. With vinyl as the soul of the project, a creatively curated and historically acute selection of records will provide the soundscape for the bar/cafe and record store from morning to night. Susannah Gebhart expands,

“We’re thrilled to be part of the team bringing life into this singularly distinctive space in Asheville — it’s going to offer an atmosphere unlike any other, at once grand and playful, inspiring and relaxed. The menu will be inspired by the legacy of the space as a working press, and pay homage to this region’s contributions to the world of music and food.”

A majestic three-story art moderne construction, the Citizen-Times building that houses Citizen Vinyl is steeped in a rich and dynamic history. In addition to its former life as home to both the Asheville Citizen and Asheville Times newspapers, the building’s third floor played host to Asheville’s historic WWNC(“Wonderful Western North Carolina”) which was once considered the most popular radio station in the United States. In 1927, the station hosted live performances by Jimmie Rodgers (“The Father Of Country Music”) shortly before he went to Bristol, Tennessee and made his first recordings. In 1939, the station featured on its Mountain Music Time segment the first live performances ever by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, the aggregation that marks the beginning of Monroe’s creation of a new sound called “bluegrass.”

Carrying this musical legacy forward, CEO Gar Ragland has set up shop in the former station’s Studio A where he continues in his roles as music producer and mixer, label head of NewSong Recordings, and organizer and co-founder of the internationally recognized NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition. As Citizen Vinyl’s first official tenant, Ragland has reinvigorated the space into a fully operating music studio that, in addition to hosting private recording, mixing and mastering sessions, will be used for tracking future Citizen Vinyl in-store performances that will then be released as limited edition vinyl.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring this historic studio back to life, and to be able to work in a space with such deep history,” says Ragland. “The original co-existence here of music, radio broadcast, journalism and the printing of the newspaper is a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all facets of this project. It’s both a privilege and responsibility to build upon it with our own original programming and offerings, and to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere where guests can learn and grow in community with one another.”

In addition to cultivating a recreational music haven, Citizen Vinyl also aspires to revive some of the hope, camaraderie, and excitement surrounding independent arts that may have been muted in the wake of the pandemic. Plans for the multifaceted building include everything from album listening parties to rotating art installations and music history lectures and seminars. With an impressive list of collaborators including program curator Colby Caldwell (Revolve Art Studio), interior designers Karie Reinertson and Rob Maddox (Shelter Collective) brand director Eric Pieper (Homestead Creative Studio), and accomplished engineer Peter Schaper spearheading manufacturing operations, there is no doubt that the future of Citizen Vinyl is in capable hands. And although the ongoing health concerns of COVID-19 have meant shifting to a phased-in opening process, Citizen Vinyl will be ready to serve its community with updated safety protocols come September. Ragland concludes, 

“We can’t wait to welcome guests to Citizen Vinyl. We hope that this space can provide a fun and restorative experience for both our community and its many visitors, and that the power of music, food and beverage will help grant some relief in these stressful times.” 

Citizen Vinyl and Session bar/cafe plans to open on a limited capacity basis starting mid-September. For hours, menu and more information visit www.citizenvinyl.com. 

Alt-country explosions 49 Winchester are slated for a thunderous return this fall with the release of their highly anticipated third album III, out October 2, 2020. Today, Americana Highways premiered the first track “Everlasting Lover,” calling it “a soul-stirring, unabashed love song” that leads the album with a warm and relatable message before more raucous numbers take charge.

Hailing from the deep hollers of southwest Virginia, the quintet boasts an honest and true brand of Appalachian soul that “[carries] on and [reinvents] the musical traditions of their region with a sound that is wholly and distinctively their own" (Americana Highways). On their latest release, the band resumes this mission with a diverse collection of both test-driven, crowd favorite tunes and some brand new ditties. A well-balanced mixture of gutting confessionals (“Everlasting Lover,” “Raleigh”), playful, twangy arrangements (“Long Hard Life,” “It’s A Shame”), and rowdy, boot-stompin' anthems like “Get Clean,” the record is perfectly suited for both a solo, meditative listening session or a quintessential driving soundtrack. Tying it all together is frontman and songwriter Isaac Gibson’s memorable vocal tone, a fully realized, molasses-drenched raspiness that remains a standout in every song.

Drawing from over a half-decade of touring experience, Gibson and co. offer a seasoned vantage with their forthcoming release, telling the tale of life between roadside motels and highway truck stops, with a few broken hearts along the way. The band’s lucky #3, the new record steps confidently into the future with the help of producer Kenny Miles of the longstanding Kentucky outfit Wayne Graham, who brought a sonic depth and maturity to the project that the band proudly declares their best yet. Recorded between Fat Baby Studios in Whitesburg, KY and Classic Recording in Bristol, VA, III is steeped in the rich energy of the Appalachian Mountains, where the legacy of Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, and many more country music pioneers still kisses the landscape.

Poised to reach the masses this year with appearances at more than half a dozen festivals before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an international live music standstill, 49 Winchester stands behind the new record, and remains hopeful that the music will stand out on its own in 2020. Still, the band is looking forward to sharing the fresh tracks with old fans and new, with the hopes of bringing them to a stage soon. 

III from 49 Winchester is available for preorder now on Bandcamp, and will be released to all digital and streaming platforms on Friday, October 2, 2020. For more information, visit www.49winchester.com.

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah is on deck this weekend to perform for North Carolina’s distinguished No Contact Concert Series live stream showcase. A celebrated voice in the Americana circuit, the Johnson City native boasts a commanding stage presence and gutting vocal tenor that never fails to captivate both in-person and on-screen. This Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 PM EDT, Kiah will bring her soulful brand of roots music and rich storytelling to Codex Sound’s stage in Hickory, NC for a free broadcast, complete with some brand new tunes and a five-piece band.

Unable to tour due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and live music standstill, Kiah will offer old fans and new a digital front row seat thanks to No Contact Concert Series’ high-quality audio/video setup. Viewers may tune in via YouTube or Facebook to get in on the fun. No Contact Concert Series is proud to partner with WNCW Radio, Catawba Brewing Company, Midwood Entertainment, and American Video Productions, who will also be cross-streaming the event from their respective social media platforms. 

Additional No Contact Concert Series performances this season include Athens, GA-based folk outfit Cicada Rhythm on August 30 and Asheville, NC funksters The Fritz on September 5, with a special season closer to be announced soon. For more information, visit www.crowd-less.com.

For media inquiries, contact Danielle Dror ([email protected]) at Victory Lap Publicity.

ABOUT NO CONTACT CONCERT SERIES
Designed as a solution to the limits that traditional at-home live streams present, No Contact Concert Series features high quality, full band performances broadcasted live from Codex Sound’s 14,000 square foot production warehouse in Hickory, NC. Presented in partnership with Charlotte-based talent agency Midwood Entertainment, NCCS has cultivated a full scale virtual concert experience where artists, crews, and fans can come together to reimagine their music community.

ABOUT AMYTHYST KIAH
Born in Chattanooga and based in Johnson City, Amythyst Kiah’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past. Our Native Daughters, her recent collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), has delivered a full-length album produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, Songs of Our Native Daughters (out now on Smithsonian Folkways). NPR described the opening track, Black Myself, written by Amythyst, as “the simmering defiance of self-respect in the face of racism.” The song was nominated for a Grammy for Best American Roots Song. Provocative and fierce, Amythyst’s ability to cross boundaries is groundbreaking and simply unforgettable. Her stylistic range will be on full display in her next full-length album expected in 2021.

The Grey Eagle is proud to announce its first pair of drive-in style concerts featuring full band performances from master mandolinist Sam Bush on Sunday, September 20 and 9-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year Del McCoury on Saturday, October 3. The shows will take place at Maggie Valley Fairgrounds and will be the first in a series of socially-distanced off-site events presented by The Grey Eagle.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to start bringing live music back to Western North Carolina and couldn’t be more proud of our internal team and outside collaborators who are making this all possible. We’re looking forward to having our long time friends Sam Bush and Del McCoury join us for what’s sure to be two very special evenings for our community,” says venue owner Russ Keith.

The first two drive-in concerts presented by The Grey Eagle will take place just outside of Asheville in neighboring Maggie Valley, NC with limited parking available and a maximum vehicle occupancy of six guests. RVs, camper vans, and Sprinters are prohibited. Only vehicles with no more than four wheels and clearance of under eight feet will be allowed on site. An HD screen will be included side-stage for a heightened viewing experience, and audio from the show will be broadcasted live via an FM transmitter. Patrons may choose to enjoy the show from the comfort of their cars, or the designated individual viewing areas outside of their vehicles. Advance tickets are on sale now. For more information and to stay up to date on future drive-in show announcements, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.

TICKET SCALING (PER CAR) 
Max occupancy of each car is 6. 
VIP - $225
Tier 1 - $175
Tier 2 - $150
Tier 3 - $100

Sam Bush Band Tickets - https://bit.ly/31GzoLC 
Del McCoury Band Tickets - https://bit.ly/2EMr2Jt 

With the cancellation of this year's Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion came the promise of a few "surprises" on what would have been festival weekend - and the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM, parent nonprofit of the annual event) is making good on it. 

Celebrating Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Live Stream will take place September 10-13, 2020 with virtual, live concert events that include Jim Lauderdale, Acoustic Syndicate, Amythyst Kiah, Morgan Wade, and Martha Spencer, a WBCM Radio Bristol Farm and Fun Time show, flashback performances from festivals past, and the Bristol Sessions Super Raffle drawing.  

"It's important for us to do something to commemorate the Festival this year even if it can't be in person," said BCM Executive Director Leah Ross. "This would have been our 20th anniversary, a milestone. We can't let that go. We also felt that our community and our staff really needed something positive to help fill that void."

The schedule for Celebrating Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Live Stream is as follows:

Thursday, September 10 - 7:00 p.m. 
Kick off the weekend with a Farm and Fun Time show from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring host band Bill & The Belles – artists to include Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and 49 Winchester.

Farm and Fun Time is presented by Eastman Credit Union and with support from Holston Medical Group

Friday, September 11 - 7:00 p.m. 
Join us Friday night as we partner with the Virginia Tourism Corporation to celebrate Virginia Music Heritage Month. This show will feature music from Amythyst Kiah, Morgan Wade, and Martha Spencer. The night will be filled with live music, announcements about the 2021 Festival line-up, and more!

Friday evening is presented by Virginia is for Lovers and
Holston Medical Group

Saturday, September 12 - 1:00 p.m.
Festival Flashbacks - Join us on Saturday afternoon to watch some past Festival performances. Past shows will include Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, The War and Treaty, Mike Farris, Folk Soul Revival, Jerry Douglas and the Earls of Leicester, and the Way Down Wanderers.

The Festival Flashback is presented by Bristol Tennessee Essential Services. 

Sunday, September 13 - 12:00 p.m. 

Join us for the Bristol Sessions Super Raffle Drawing as we give away $250,000 in prizes.

To view the Live Stream tune into the following links:

Facebook
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Facebook Page 
Radio Bristol Facebook Page
Birthplace of Country Music Facebook Page 

YouTube 
Radio Bristol YouTube Channel 

Website
BristolRhythm.com

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds continue their drive-in endeavors with a special performance from celebrated folk duo Mandolin Orange on Friday, October 2. Taking place at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, the Billboard-topping outfit will join previously announced bluegrass heroes Sam Bush Band (September 20) and Del McCoury Band (October 3) for a series of socially-distanced concerts co-presented by the Asheville power combo.

With deep roots in the southeast, Mandolin Orange are pleased to announce a rare show in their home state of North Carolina in conjunction with the pre-order of a limited edition LP: Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre. In tribute to their last tour before the pandemic-induced live music standstill, the pair will release a physical run of vinyl and CDs, available for purchase exclusively on Bandcamp. Keeping with the homegrown theme, the record will be among the first to be pressed at Asheville, NC’s new Citizen Vinyl manufacturing facility. For more information, visit www.mandolinorange.com. 

Advance tickets for The Grey Eagle & Worthwhile Sounds Present: Mandolin Orange are on sale now, with limited parking available and a maximum vehicle occupancy of six guests. RVs, camper vans, and Sprinters are prohibited. Only vehicles with no more than four wheels and clearance of under eight feet will be allowed on site. An HD screen will be included side-stage for heightened viewing experience, and audio from the show will be broadcasted live via an FM transmitter. Patrons may choose to enjoy the show from the comfort of their cars, or the designated individual viewing areas outside of their vehicles. For more information and to stay up to date on future drive-in show announcements, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.

TICKET SCALING (PER CAR) 
Max occupancy of each car is 6. 
VIP - $275
Tier 1 - $175
Tier 2 - $150
Tier 3 - $100

Mandolin Orange Tickets - https://bit.ly/2YZhiTl 

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds are proud to announce the addition of Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires to their drive-in concert series at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds on Thursday, November 5th. The critically acclaimed duo will join previously confirmed outfits Mandolin Orange (October 2), Del McCoury Band (October 3), St. Paul & the Broken Bones (October 29) and (Keller Williams (November 13) for the venue’s socially-distanced show series spanning the fall of 2020. A complete lineup of off site events presented by The Grey Eagle can be found below.

Presales for Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires will begin on Wednesday, September 30 at 10:00 AM (EDT) and end Thursday, October 1 at 10:00 PM. Public on sale begins Friday, October 2 at 10:00 AM. Parking passes are limited, and vehicle occupancy will be restricted to four guests. RVs, camper vans, and Sprinters are prohibited. Only vehicles with no more than four wheels and clearance of under eight feet will be allowed on site. An HD screen will be included side-stage for a heightened viewing experience, and patrons may choose to enjoy the show from the comfort of their cars, or the designated individual viewing areas outside of their vehicles. Audio from the show will be broadcast both from a PA and via an FM transmitter for those tuning in from their cars. For more information and to stay up to date on future drive-in show announcements, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.

For general questions, contact ([email protected]). For media inquiries, contact Danielle Dror ([email protected]) at Victory Lap Publicity.

TICKET SCALING PER CAR (MAX FOUR GUESTS PER VEHICLE)
VIP - $300 
Tier 1 - $250
Tier 2 - $200
Tier 3 - $150

Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires Tickets - http://bit.ly/JasonAndAmanda 

RSVP on Facebook - http://bit.ly/IsbellAndAmandaFB 

The Grey Eagle Drive-In Concert Series Lineup
10/02 - Mandolin Orange at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (SOLD OUT)
10/03 - Del McCoury Band at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (TICKETS)
10/29 - St. Paul & the Broken Bones at Ghost Town In The Sky Parking Lot (TICKETS)
11/05 - Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (TICKETS)
11/13 - Keller Williams at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (TICKETS)

Before completing production on her EP, It Tends To Glow, North Carolina based songstress Carly Taich wasn’t sure if she would ever release another album again. Following her 2017 full length debut, Reverie, and the subsequent years of steadfast aspiration, Taich had recently made peace with the idea of retiring from the musical hamster wheel. Upon reaching this conclusion, the songwriter inadvertently managed to find a more bona fide version of herself. “Ironically, when I allowed myself the freedom to not have to write or share my songs, I started writing again,” Taich confesses. The result is a six part vignette that ventures to unravel one of life’s most eternal questions: What is love?

The EP’s closer, “Red Herring,” was the first song that Taich wrote since nearly hanging up her hat. Belying the song’s bridge, the intimate confession “I just want to be understood / And good at everything,” symbolizes both her emotional stature at the time and a universally relatable sentiment. Newly free from her creative constraints, and completely detached from expectation, Taich embraces her new outlook as an opportunity to engage with her art in a new way.

In a succinct, 23 minute journey, Taich explores the dichotomy of love’s “magical and frightening” nature. From the heart-wrenching loss bemoaned in “Tomatoes” to the patient romantic dance of “The Nest,” relationships are at the core of Taich’s newest 60’s folk-inspired collection. In the timely “New Year’s Eve,” she offers to help carry the emotional burden of a friend’s heartache. Realizing she cannot take away another’s pain, Taich laments, “If there’s one thing I can do, I can always sing your blues.” 

On this endeavor, Taich replaces her signature cinematic production choices with a more purist approach. She notes, “the production of my last album started as a jam session. In contrast, I meditated on these songs for a long time before taking them to production.” With intentionality at the center of the project, she explains that “even stopping at six songs was a conscious choice. I feel like I’ve said everything I needed to say in this particular season of my life.”

With a bite-sized assortment of piano-forward tunes, Taich masterfully captures a notion that resonates long after the final note. Sometimes love looks like waiting, sometimes it looks like grieving, and sometimes it looks like doing nothing — to simply love without expectation. Like a 6-sided die, every song on Taich’s balanced EP explores a different side of what it means to offer grace, whether outwardly to another being, or inward toward oneself.

It Tends To Glow will be released digitally to all streaming platforms on Friday, December 18. Pre orders for the EP are available now on Bandcamp and feature an instant gratification download of the track “If You Want Me To”. For more information, visit www.carlytaich.com.

A three year revitalization project taking place inside of Asheville, North Carolina’s historic Southside neighborhood has come to fruition with the opening of SoundSpace @ Rabbit’s, the city’s first public access music rehearsal facility. The studio space, which will soon include a soul food eatery and mixed medium artist amenities has taken residence inside the now-defunct Rabbit’s Motel, a Green Book site for African-American travelers which operated from the late 1940s until the turn of the 21st century. Repurposing the building to accommodate the influx of creatives who call Asheville home, co-founders Claude Coleman, Jr. (of the rock outfit Ween) and Brett Spivey hope to carry the legacy of the historic construction by providing functional practice quarters and an accessible gathering place for artists of all mediums. 

Established in 1948 by Fred “Rabbit” Simpson, Rabbit’s Motel was considered a crown jewel of Black-owned tourist courts in the segregation-era South. The inn provided lodging and dining for Black visitors, including such prominent figures as Chitlin Circuit entertainers, soul singer and performer Jackie Wilson, comedian Richard Pryor, race car driver Wendell Scott and baseball star Willie “Pops” Stargell. At the heart of Rabbit’s Motel was Lou Ella Byrd’s beloved soul food kitchen, a town favorite dining establishment which was famously known for its “pork chops the size of bibles.” Mrs. Byrd’s café operated for over half a century and was cherished by a cross-section of Asheville’s communities up to 2003. In late 2021, local chef Clarence Robinson (also known as The Flavor King) will bring his culinary chops and signature “Cooking With Comedy” flair to the SoundSpace facility. A lifelong Asheville resident and relative of Rabbit Motel’s original owner, Robinson is set to recharge the vacated kitchen space with a new soul food café that will pay homage to the accomplishments of Mrs. Byrd while informing a new vision for Western North Carolina’s rich food scene.  

In addition to providing a vital service to Asheville’s rapidly expanding music sector, SoundSpace will soon boast a series of workshops, events, and programs to foster the arts in underserved communities. Future plans include a livestream series called SoundSpace @ Rabbit’s Live which will feature Afro-centric performances broadcast directly from inside the facility, and a multi-artist mural project that will reinvigorate the building’s exterior. With equity and collaboration at the forefront, co-founders Claude Coleman, Jr. and Brett Spivey — both lifelong musicians and passionate community stakeholders — hope to establish SoundSpace as a longstanding resource that embraces a model of diversity through music, art, food, and collaboration.

For more information about SoundSpace, visit www.soundpaceavl.com. For a brief history of Asheville’s historic Southside district, see below

Southside: Lost Communities of Black Exceptionalism in Asheville
Rabbit’s Motel sat in the heart of Southside, a flourishing African-American neighborhood that was one of many Black communities burgeoning in Asheville, North Carolina. Southside contained a vital business district for the African-American community as much as The Block in the center of downtown, which was a nexus of Black commercialism and one of the largest Black-owned business districts in the South. The Block was adjacent to East End, home of Stephens-Lee High School, the only public African-American school in North Carolina.

Southside was a mixed district of businesses ranging from funeral homes and drive-in diners, and was an entertainment hub of hotels and bar-clubs frequented by Chitlin’ Circuit groups as well as supporting a robust local music scene of Black bands.

Municipal neglect to these communities allowed widespread blight. The practices of Urban Renewal upended these historic communities over a period of 30 years. Entire neighborhoods were dispossessed, roads were redrawn, and communities and their sense of belonging and connection were dismantled. In just the East Riverside area alone, “we lost more than 1,100 homes, six beauty parlors, five barber shops, five filling stations, fourteen grocery stores, three laundromats, eight apartment houses, seven churches, three shoe shops, two cabinet shops, two auto body shops, one hotel, five funeral homes, one hospital, and three doctor’s offices.” (Reverend Wesley Grant) During the East Riverside Redevelopment Project, an urban renewal effort targeting 425 across was completely demolished.

Orange Blossom Revue is proud to announce the lineup for its 7th annual event taking place December 3-4, 2021 at the picturesque Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, Florida. The music and heritage festival located centrally between Tampa and Orlando will welcome celebrated folk ensemble The Wood Brothers, GRAMMY-winning bluegrass pickers The Steeldrivers, renowned singer/songwriter Hayes Carll, chart-climbing soul explosion Devon Gilfillian and more to the sunshine state this winter, with a special headliner to be revealed on May 3rd.

Coined in homage to Florida’s rich agricultural roots, Orange Blossom Revue will celebrate the bounty of citrus, palmetto trees, and carefree lakeside living with two days of top-notch live music, local food vendors, and craft beer. Originally a community-led barbecue fundraiser hosted by the Lake Wales Rotary Club, The Revue now stands on its own as a beloved annual gathering, with a new beneficiary partnership launching this year. Festival co-founder and Lake Wales native Rusty Ingley founded The Blossom Charitable Foundation to further promote the culture of Lake Wales and garner awareness for its growing arts scene. Proceeds from the festival will support the foundation’s mission of bringing accessible arts education and programming to Central Florida’s tight knit community. Ingley shares, “My co-chair, Reid Hardman and I are hometown boys, and we want to share the charm and allure of Lake Wales with our fellow Floridians. This is a way we feel that we can give back to the community, and carry the tradition of celebrating the arts in our own backyard.”

With the specter of COVID-19, the fate of large gatherings is still largely uncertain, but event organizers remain hopeful that a late 2021 festival will be possible. The promise of an effective vaccine rollout leaves room for optimism, and Florida’s year round paradise-like climate is conducive for a winter event. Still, precautions will be taken to ensure public safety, with contactless transactions, extra hand washing stations, and close communication with state health officials at the ready. After a year long hiatus, Ingley and his team are ready to reunite with Orange Blossom Revue mainstays, and welcome new attendees to Lake Wales’ freshwater shores. “We’re excited to continue building what we started, and look forward to giving people a dose of much needed live music and camaraderie after this difficult year. We hope that in doing so, people will walk away with a fond appreciation for our small town and make Orange Blossom Revue an annual tradition.”

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, Orange Blossom Revue continues to grow as a top entertainment destination for locals and visitors alike. The festival will take place on December 3-4, 2021 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with $70 weekend passes on sale starting Friday, March 12th at 10 AM EST. For up-to-date information about Orange Blossom Revue including safety precautions, tickets, and VIP packages, visit www.orangeblossomrevue.com. A complete lineup can be found below.

Orange Blossom Revue 2021 Lineup
The Wood Brothers
The Steeldrivers
Hayes Carll
Devon Gilfillian 
Nicki Bluhm
Ryan Montbleau*
Roosevelt Collier+
The Hummingbirds
Side Hustle

*Solo & Artist at Large
+Artist at Large
& Stay tuned for a special headliner announcement May 3rd!

NewSong Music is now accepting original song entries for its 19th annual songwriting and performance competition, presented by Citizen Vinyl. The program, whose curated showcases have been a fixture in the national music scene since 2001, is proud to announce a new partnership with North Carolina’s first vinyl record pressing facility to present this year’s performance and songwriting showcase and competition. On December 4th, Citizen Vinyl will welcome eight finalists for a socially-distanced performance showcase and networking opportunity at its spacious downtown Asheville location.

NewSong Music founder, music producer, and label head Gar Ragland launched Citizen Vinyl in the fall of 2020 as its founder and CEO, with a mission to offer quality vinyl manufacturing to the music industry as North Carolina’s first record pressing facility. Though new to the scene, Citizen Vinyl is quickly establishing itself as one of the nation’s premier vinyl pressing facilities, equipped to fulfill both small batch orders for independent artists and labels as well as large scale projects for the major labels. Later this year, the downtown Asheville pressing facility, which also includes a vinyl-themed craft cocktail bar and café, an analog music and art store, and an intimate performance space, will play host to eight of North America’s most talented emerging artists as they network, showcase and compete for a chance to win this year’s grand prize package.

“Having Citizen Vinyl serve as the presenting sponsor of this year’s NewSong Music Competition just feels like a perfect pairing,” says Ragland. “Just as NewSong Music has been recognizing and celebrating excellence in performance and songcraft for the last twenty years, Citizen Vinyl was recently born from the same spirit...to both celebrate music and honor the craft and artistry of record making. As the music industry begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Citizen Vinyl is excited to support this year’s program and its participating artists by making vinyl record projects more accessible.”

Discounted ‘Early Bird’ entries are open now through Sunday, May 9th at 11:59 PM EST, with the final deadline to submit on Sunday, October 10th at 11:59 EST. To submit your original music, visit newsong-music.com/contest. Finalists will be notified via email and announced through NewSong Music’s website and social media channels on Tuesday, November 2nd. Mark your calendars for the 2021 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition finale scheduled for Saturday, December 4th at Citizen Vinyl, located at 14 O Henry Ave in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.

This year’s Grand Prize Winner will receive:

- A fully funded, six-song EP, recorded and mixed at Citizen Studios and released on the NewSong Recordings label;
- A featured, paid performance at Arts Brookfield’s Summer Concert Series in New York City in the summer of 2022 (date TBD);
- 500x 12” vinyl records (gatefold full-color jacket w/ sleeve) of their grand prize EP, pressed at Citizen Vinyl

The two (2) Award Round Runners-Up will each receive a vinyl package of 300x 12″ records (single full-color jacket with sleeve), pressed at Citizen Vinyl.

Each entrant this year will receive a 10% discount on a vinyl pressing project at Citizen Vinyl (offer must be used before January 31, 2022).

For up-to-date information on the 2021 NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition, including submission pricing, safety precautions, and more, visit newsong-music.com. To learn more about Citizen Vinyl, visit citizenvinyl.com.

Live music fans rejoice; Asheville’s beloved River Arts District music venue The Grey Eagle is set to emerge from winter hibernation this Thursday, April 1st. Following a short pandemic-induced hiatus, the city’s longest running live music establishment is ready to shake the frost off its bones and welcome fans back to its flagship location with heightened safety measures and a stacked calendar of socially distanced events on the horizon.

“We couldn’t be more excited to get back to it,” says venue owner Russ Keith. “Putting on shows and giving people the opportunity to enjoy live music in a safe environment is the heartbeat of our business; not to mention allowing artists the chance to perform and connect with their fans once again. Our industry has gone through a lot in the past year, but we’re relieved to have made it to this point, and now we’re just looking ahead toward the future.”

In anticipation of its grand reopening, The Grey Eagle has already announced a bevy of limited capacity, reserved seating events taking place both indoors (with generously-spaced tables and masks required) as well on its airy outdoor patio. Highlights include an intimate duo performance by Charleston’s Stop Light Observations (April 16 at 8:00 PM), a sold out double-header evening with Brent Cobb + Kendell Marvel (May 22 at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, respectively), and a special Father’s Day performance featuring Firecracker Jazz Band (June 20 at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM). Following a string of successful off-site events, The Grey Eagle looks forward to reviving its drive-in series with Big Something + Too Many Zooz at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds (May 28), with additional drive-ins to be announced soon. For a full lineup of calendar listings, visit www.thegreyeagle.com/calendar.

Although The Grey Eagle’s brick and mortar site has been closed to the public since December, the venue and its taqueria counterpart have had a surprisingly busy year. In late 2020, The Grey Eagle Taqueria welcomed two new locations under its wing, linking arms with both BearWaters Brewing Company in Maggie Valley, NC and Big Pillow Brewing in Hot Springs for exclusive food programming.

Now in its 26th year of operation, The Grey Eagle continues to deliver top notch live music experiences and delicious latin-inspired cuisine to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Stay tuned for additional show announcements and mark your calendars for The Grey Eagle and The Grey Eagle Taqueria’s grand reopening on April 1st. For up-to-date information on all things The Grey Eagle, including show listings, safety protocols, and more, visit www.thegreyeagle.com.

Orange Blossom Revue is pleased to announce the addition of Blackberry Smoke to its 2021 lineup. The Atlanta based rock titans will co-headline the 7th annual festival alongside critically acclaimed folk duo The Wood Brothers, joining The Steeldrivers, Hayes Carll, Devon Gilfillian, Nicki Bluhm, and more. A staple of the southern music canon, the seven piece ensemble will celebrate their 20th anniversary this year with a new album You Hear Georgia to be released May 28. The outfit will return to central Florida this winter, bringing their dynamic sound and larger-than-life stage presence to the scenic grounds of Lake Wales the weekend of December 3-4. 

A music and heritage event like no other, Orange Blossom Revue continues to attract locals and globetrotters alike to the glimmering shores of Lake Wales, a stone’s throw from two of the sunshine state’s main hubs, Tampa and Orlando. General Admission weekend passes are on sale now, with a limited number of VIP and RV Camping passes available while supplies last. 

Orange Blossom Revue springs into action this December 3-4, 2021 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853). For up-to-date information about Orange Blossom Revue including safety precautions, tickets, and VIP packages, visit www.orangeblossomrevue.com. A complete lineup can be found below.

Orange Blossom Revue 2021 Lineup

Blackberry Smoke
The Wood Brothers
The Steeldrivers
Hayes Carll
Devon Gilfillian 
Nicki Bluhm
Ryan Montbleau*
Roosevelt Collier*
The Hummingbirds
Side Hustle

*Artists-at-large

Today, Virginia’s breakout improvisational rock titans Kendall Street Company invite listeners to embark on a journey of extraterrestrial proportions with the release of a heady new single “The Space Race” from their forthcoming double LP project The Year The Earth Stood Still. A colossal 17-track collection, the bilateral release includes an instrumental pop-ambience album Ninurta, which drops Friday, June 11th, and a narrative-driven companion Inertia coming later this fall.

Having catapulted on the scene in recent years with their explosive sound that floats effortlessly between jam, Americana, and indie rock, Kendall Street Company’s latest undertaking further solidifies them as a class-defying phenomenon untethered by any one sonic description. On The Year The Earth Stood Still, the group jolts into fringe territory; encompassing the best of the experimental rock opera canon while still straddling the high voltage fervor that has become entwined with their likeness.

Recorded over five days in a rural farmhouse studio in Louisa, VA, The Year The Earth Stood Still transcends beyond any auditory experience that has preceded it. Determined not to let the specter of the COVID-19 pandemic throw their aspiration off course, KSC embraced the opportunity to explore a new creative frontier. Armed with a bevy of inspiration, and fueled by the paradigm shift unfolding before them, the troupe set sail on their most ambitious odyssey to date – to write, arrange, and record a new album entirely from scratch. Over long-winded sessions that ran late into the night, and despite a raging thunderstorm that only the deities themselves could take credit for, a record was born.

Exploring ancient philosophies, present day circumstances, and the uncertainty of the future, The Year The Earth Stood Still serves as a time capsule of the pandemonium that has enshrouded humanity over the last 14 months. The LP’s first release, Ninurta, is a nod to the Mesopotamian god whose stalwart presence emerges every seven millennia to save humanity from its own avarice. With an eerily similar pattern uncoiling today, the forthcoming album is the band’s manifesto to the people of Earth as they navigate the dark unknown. In this pursuit, Kendall Street Company offers “The Space Race” – a primitive battle cry that imagines a reality in which space exists as the final refuge from earthly doom. Set to John F. Kennedy’s iconic 1962 speech “We Choose to Go to the Moon” and boasting a similar resonance to the likes of Radiohead, Lespecial, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, “The Space Race” casts a celestial shadow over The Year The Earth Stood Still, due in its entirety September 24.

“The Space Race” from Kendall Street Company is available for streaming and purchase through all online platforms today, May 7th, 2021. For more information, visit www.kendallstreetcompany.com.

FESTY, the Virginia-bred music festival-turned destination entertainment experience is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Marlin and Rising Appalachia to its 2021 event season. The accomplished mandolinist (one half of celebrated North Carolina duo Watchouse; formerly known as Mandolin Orange) and the global-folk outfit led by sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith will join the likes of Molly Tuttle, Martin Sexton, and many more fan-sourced performance artists at FESTY’s satellite venues in Charlottesville, Asheville, and Charleston this summer. A lineup of confirmed events is below, with additional shows to be announced in the coming weeks. 

With sustainability at the forefront, FESTY has introduced a “fan first” model that allows live music enthusiasts to participate directly in lineup curation by voting on which bands they’d like to see on its stages. With over 150 shows on the horizon, FESTY will bring its unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience to three of the mid-atlantic’s top music destinations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina through the fall. Partnering with local venues in each market, each night of FESTY will take place under a sunset-coated backdrop in some of the region’s most pristine outdoor destinations, and come complete with VIP-inspired amenities like preferred viewing in all pods and a digitized food servicing platform that allows patrons to order dinner and refreshments directly to their seats. 

FESTY 2021 CONFIRMED DATES

05/22 - Andrew Marlin - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)
05/23 - Andrew Marlin - Lake Eden (Black Mountain/Asheville, NC)
05/29 - Molly Tuttle - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)
06/04 - Martin Sexton - Woodlands Nature Reserve (Charleston, SC)
06/05 - Martin Sexton - Lake Eden (Black Mountain/Asheville, NC)
06/05 - Everything - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)
06/06 - Martin Sexton - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)
06/09 & 06/10 - Rising Appalachia - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)
06/12 - Eddie From Ohio - Chisholm Vineyards (Earlysville/Charlottesville, VA)

North Carolina’s premier outdoor adventure destination Beech Mountain Resort has announced the lineup for its 2021 summer concert series taking place this August. Critically acclaimed experimental jam ensemble Umphrey’s McGee will kick off the season with a double header event spanning the evenings of August 6 + 7, with GRAMMY-winning blues rockers Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks bringing their intimate “Fireside Live” tour to the resort on August 14, followed by a foot stomping closeout courtesy of newgrass titans Greensky Bluegrass on August 21.

This year’s pod-style event series will mark the 3rd installation of Beech Mountain’s annual summer music program, which has quickly grown to become a beloved tradition for area residents and vacationers alike. With ample summer amenities available including yoga, scenic lift rides, mountain biking, and more, Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series attendees will have the opportunity to amplify their experience with a full weekend of entertainment and leisure.

10x10 pod passes for Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series are on sale starting this Friday, May 21 at 10:00 AM EST. Each pod holds a maximum occupancy of 6 patrons, and masks are required in all areas outside of pods. Beech Mountain Resort is located at 1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy in Beech Mountain, NC. For more information, including ticketing links and up-to-date safety protocols, visit www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series.

Today Kendall Street Company reveal Ninurta, the first installment from their double LP space opera The Year the Earth Stood Still. Available for preview exclusively on Top Shelf Music before it hits streaming platforms this Friday, the all instrumental pop-ambient collection is an eerily appropriate deviation from the band’s former work and represents the precarious circumstances of the last year.

A successor to the delicately crafted 2020 release The Stories We Write for Ourselves, Ninurta showcases the band’s tremendous versatility from studio to stage. With the pandemic seizing all normal affairs and the prospect of touring off the table, the five piece saw an opportunity to embrace the unusual conditions and seek new creative direction. “After a year of dedicated work on behalf of our last release, we felt called to start from the ground up on a new project with no preconceived expectations,” explains saxophonist Jake Vanaman. “This concept of building an album from scratch is an idea we had been talking about as early as 2016 while learning about the magic that can take place in a studio environment. Without the pandemic, I’m not so sure we would have taken that deliberate pause to make such a project happen.”

With the help of producer John Trainum, whose work includes collaborations with fast-rising indie pop songwriter Kate Bollinger, KSC set up shop at White Star Studio in nearby Louisa, VA for five days of nonstop improvisational sessions. Charged by the delirium of minimal sleep and the strangely paranormal impression of rural northeast Virginia, the band dove head first into philosophical discourse spanning everything from ancient folklore to dystopian realities. On the second night of recording, while arranging a new tune in the atypical 7/4 time signature, a tumultuous thunderstorm left the neighborhood without electricity for 24 hours, nearly destroying the studio computer. With recording on pause until power was restored – and the fate of their work in limbo – the crew indulged in a tailspin of research on primordial mythology and the significance of the number 7. Their findings led them to Ninurta – a Mesopotamian deity whose mighty wrath manifests in deadly thunder and rain. Affirmed by the serendipity, the force majeure eventually became a focal point of the record.

“Dystopian themes of escapism and mysticism reflect the apocalyptic nature of the pandemic and the thunderstorm that fried the studio computer. This, naturally, led to the 50's, a golden era in Hollywood sci-fi and musings on the classic film The Day the Earth Stood Still. The ideas fell into place as we listened more closely to what we had created in the studio. It was as if we were narrating the events happening before us in real time.” 

An epic eight track saga of emotive soundscape, Ninurta is strong in its ability to capture current realities without ever uttering a word – its foreboding undertones a perfect encapsulation of the dark years behind with plenty of room for future interpretation. The companion album, Inertia, which completes the story The Year the Earth Stood Still is due for release on September 24. To listen to Ninurta in its entirety before it hits DSPs on June 11, click here.

Kendall Street Company sets sail for The Year the Earth Stood Still tour this Friday, June 11, with stops in Charlottesville, Nashville, New York, DC, Philadelphia, and multiple festival appearances including Resonance Music and Arts Festival and Rooster Walk Reunion. A complete list of tour dates is below.

Ninurta Track List

1. Our Space Heroine
2. Picking Apples Off the Apple Tree
3. The Space Race
4. Pink Flying Saucer
5. On Call
6. Doomsday
7. There is no such thing as free will. 

Kendall Street Company The Year the Earth Stood Still Tour

06/11 - 185 King Street - Brevard, NC*
06/19 - Licking Hole Creek - Goochland, VA
06/25 - O’Connor Brewing - Norfolk, VA
07/03 - IX Art Park - Charlottesville, VA
07/09 - Lenny Boy - Charlotte, NC
07/10 - Salvage Station - Asheville, NC+
07/23 - Bear Legacy Bluegrass Festival - Bel Air, MD
07/24 - Bear Legacy Bluegrass Festival - Bel Air, MD
07/29 - The Pour House - Raleigh, NC# 
07/30 - The Palm Room - Wrightsville Beach, NC#
07/31 - The Palm Room - Wrightsville Beach, NC#
08/01 - The Plant Live - Savannah, GA
08/05 - Basement East - Nashville, TN%
08/06 - Smith’s Olde Bar - Atlanta, GA%
08/07 - Steppin’ Out Festival - Blacksburg, VA
08/26 - North Street Press Club - Farmville, VA
08/27 -  North Street Press Club - Farmville, VA
09/02 -  Georgia Theatre - Athens, GA
09/03 - Windjammer - Isle of Palms
09/24 - Milk Boy - Philadelphia, PA
09/16-19 - Resonance Music and Arts Festival - Thornville, OH
09/25 - Union Stage - Washington, DC+
09/26 - Union Stage - Washington, DC+
09/29 - Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ
09/30 - Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn NY
10/01 - BRYAC - Bridgeport, CT
10/02 - Appalachian Brewing - Harrisburg, PA
10/08 - Rooster Walk Reunion - Martinsville, VA
10/13 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
10/14 - Chippers Lanes - Ft. Collins, CO
10/15 - Cervantes Other Side - Denver, CO
10/16 - Cervantes Other Side - Denver, CO
10/17 – Old Town Pub - Steamboat Springs, CO
10/20 - Gabe’s - Iowa City, IA
10/21 - The Point - Chicago, IL
10/22 - The Summit - Columbus, OH

*w/ Life Like Water
+w/ Hustle Souls
#w/ Sexbruise
%w/ The Aquaducks

This week, rogue folk duo Adrian + Meredith share the music video for “Bad For Business,” the title track from the couple’s sophomore LP, due for release on August 20. The single and accompanying video, which was filmed using a traditional 19th century Crankie Theatre Box, are available for preview via BTRtoday before their DSP release on Friday.

The anthem “Bad For Business” is a tongue-in-cheek display of how ironically polarizing it is to try and make the world a better place in the face of the current social landscape. “Sometimes it feels like we’re all shouting into a giant void and everything we do is ‘bad for business,’” explains Adrian Krygowski. “The rules change constantly – from not using plastic straws, to going vegan – it all ends in being criticized for doing it wrong.” Inspired by rising tensions and the tumultuous climate brought on by the last 4 years in national politics, the song is a veritable encapsulation of the modern American experience and sets the tone for the ensuing 11-track collection. The result is a blistering, candid exhibit of 20th century issues that fearlessly bumps up against the uncomfortable truths surrounding systematic racism, climate change, immigration and more.

Written at the boiling point of American upheaval in 2019, Bad For Business withstands the test of time and continues to parallel with present day affairs. The duo’s signature raucous presentation and gritty finish are a complement to the brash subject matter of the record and further propel them into the folk-punk canon. With such distinctive embellishments as Meredith’s percussive foot-stomping style and Adrian’s gravelly tenor, the forthcoming release demonstrates an outfit that has ripened to the apex of its sound and continues to build with the fuel of its surroundings.

Recorded in the living room of their mid century East Nashville house with friends like Paul Niehaus (Justin Townes Earle, Calexico), saxophonist Ken Francis Wenzel (Carlos Santana, Bobby Parker), and banjo player Fats Kaplan (Jack White), Bad For Business is a rowdy, rebellious and home-spun variety show. With eclectic influences ranging from the complex rhythmic nature of traditional Balkan arrangements, to rockabilly mainstays The Legendary Shack Shakers (whose bassist Mark Robinson produced and mixed the album), and the unadulterated spirit of rock n’ roll, the record is a fierce follow-up to the couple’s debut release. Bursting at the seams with jocular sing-alongs, bold compositions and even a cameo from the 1963 polka-pop hit “Who Stole the Kishka,” Bad For Business is a well-balanced offering for precarious times.

Meredith shares, “This record was our moment to remember why we started making art and music in the first place. We wanted good music, good lyrics, good people, and authenticity to be at the forefront of every track – a record you can actually escape into. A lot of the songs were inspired by our experience being American folk musicians touring internationally, and in the end we realized we are storytellers weaving vignettes about small town American life and then sharing those stories with the rest of the world. We feel a great sense of responsibility and privilege to be able to create connection and empathy through these songs. Creatively, we had a lot of fun making the record, and a large portion of it was recorded in our house in Nashville. So from our home to yours, releasing it feels like it will all come full circle.”

Bad For Business from Adrian + Meredith will be released digitally and physically on Friday, August 20. To pre-save the record, click here. For more information on Adrian + Meredith, visit adrianplusmeredith.com.

Virginia’s breakout garage-rock improvisers Kendall Street Company return today with a new song and visualizer, “Say Hey!” ahead of their September 24 album release, Inertia from the double LP The Year the Earth Stood Still. A single-cut of the album track, “Say Hey!” speaks to the stagnant nature of life under lockdown and the psychological effects of social isolation. Written during a series of experimental recording sessions for the band’s most recent album project, “Say Hey!” leads the charge with a driving singalong that voices a universal sentiment.

"On day three in the studio, we started exploring a more positive harmonic rhythm to act as a palate cleanser from the dense instrumental tracks that made up Ninurta,” shares KSC bass player and lead vocalist Brian Roy. “Before heading back to our instruments to ink it, Ben [Laderberg: lead guitar/vox] added, 'I feel like there should be words right here.' Drawing inspiration from that line, I threw together a couple of verses about how I'd been feeling while stuck inside during the peak of the pandemic, starved of social interaction. Despite the heavy subject matter, the tongue-in-cheek tone of the song allowed us to capture the experience from a humorous lens.”

The decision to re-record the track as a single came upon further reflection. “Once we had left the studio and were listening back to our final takes, ‘Say Hey!’ stood out among a sea of more esoteric tracks from the session. We felt like we could be a bit more clear with the messaging of the song if we embraced its pop-influenced style, which led us back to the studio to track a new version. By the time we re-recorded it, we were beginning to see a glimmer of light at the end of the COVID tunnel, which certainly comes through when contrasting both versions." 

With “Say Hey!,” Kendall Street Company hopes to memorialize the absurdity of the last year with a bright, infectious anthem that any touring musician can relate to. A thoughtful interplay of tension and release that crescendos with a thunderous battle chant, the arrangement perfectly echoes the collective exasperation of humanity under confinement.

“Say Hey!” hits digital streaming platforms today, July 9, 2021. To listen and download the single, click here. Inertia, the companion album to Kendall Street Company’s June 11 release [Ninurta], and Part II of the double LP The Year the Earth Stood Still is set for distribution on Friday, September 24.

For more information on Kendall Street Company, visit kendallstreetcompany.com. A complete list of 2021 tour dates is below.

Kendall Street Company 2021 Tour Dates

07/09 -  Lenny Boy Brewing - Charlotte, NC
07/10 - Salvage Station - Asheville, NC
07/23 - Bear Legacy Music Festival - Bel Air, MD
07/24 - Bear Legacy Music Festival - Bel Air MD
07/29 - The Pour House Music Hall - Raleigh, NC
07/30 - The Palm Room - Wrightsville Beach, NC
07/31 - The Palm Room - Wrightsville Beach, NC
08/03 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC
08/05 - The Basement East - Nashville, TN
08/06 - Smith's Olde Bar - Atlanta, GA
08/07 - Steppin' Out Festival - Blacksburg, VA
08/13 - The Broadberry - Richmond, VA
08/26 - North Street Press Club - Farmville, VA
08/27 - North Street Press Club - Farmville, VA
09/1 - Innsbrook Pavilion - Glen Allen, VA
09/02 - Georgia Theater - Athens, GA
09/03 - The Windjammer - Isle of Palms, SC
09/16 - Resonance Music and Arts Festival - Masontown, VA
09/24 - Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA
09/25 - Union Stage - Washington, DC
09/26 - Union Stage - Washington, DC
09/29 - Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ
09/30 - Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NY
10/01 - BRYAC - Bridgeport, CT
10/02 - Appalachian Brewing Company - Harrisburg, PA
10/08 - Rooster Walk Reunion - Martinsville, VA
10/13 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
10/14 - Chipper's Lanes - Fort Collins, CO
10/15 - Cervantes' Other Side - Denver, CO
10/16 - Cervantes' Other Side - Denver, CO
10/17  - Olde Town Pub - Steamboat Springs, CO
10/20 - Gabe's - Iowa City, IA
10/21 - The Point - Chicago, IL
10/22 - The Summit - Columbus, OH
10/30 - Green Life Family Farms - Concord, NC

Travis Book, founding member of the GRAMMY award-winning band The Infamous Stringdusters has announced a set of final tapings for the pilot season of The Travis Book Happy Hour, a musical variety show, at The Grey Eagle in Asheville. Spanning four dates during July and August, Book’s musical contemporaries will join him for an evening of collaboration and conversation presented in front of a live studio audience and broadcast online. Guests include Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman taking stage tonight (July 14), fast-rising blues singer/songwriter Cristina Vane and Asheville staple Mike Ashworth (July 28), Aquarium Rescue Unit founding member Jeff Sipe and Fireside Collective dobro player Tommy Maher (August 11), and fellow Stringdusters collaborator Andy Falco (August 25).

The Travis Book Happy Hour, which debuted last year in response to the pandemic, aims to provide a platform for musicians to share their artistry in a new and more intimate way. With a relaxed, conversational format, Book connects with his guests as if catching up with an old friend – many of which, in fact, are. Reminiscent of syndicated programs like eTown and Live From Here, The Happy Hour marries performance with storytelling for a unique glimpse into the human side of creativity. “The biggest takeaway so far has been getting to know more about the interior lives, the motivations and perspectives of such interesting and thoughtful musicians. It's incredible how much beauty there is in the experience of making music with open and honest people,” shares Book. “The hope is that this connects us all – the guest, the host, audience, and crew, and helps us become more compassionate, lighter, and happier people.”

With just a handful of performances left in the 2021 season, Book has his eyes set on a long and robust future for The Happy Hour. In addition to previously streamed episodes – the archives of which can be accessed on the artist’s website – Book has launched a companion podcast featuring highlights from his most memorable conversations. The first eight episodes of The Travis Book Happy Hour Podcast are available on all streaming platforms now, with additional episodes to be released later this year. This summer, fans can look forward to The Travis Book Happy Hour House Band Vol. 1, a compilation album of live tracks culled from Happy Hour performances to be released via The Infamous Stringdusters’ Americana Vibes label. Following a successful pilot, The Travis Book Happy Hour will return in 2022 with a new format. Episodes will be pre-taped monthly in front of a studio audience and edited for future distribution. Additional segments of the Happy Hour podcast and a Volume 2 of the House Band compilation are also on the horizon.

Tickets for the July and August tapings of The Travis Book Happy Hour are on sale now via The Grey Eagle. A complete lineup is below. For more information about Travis Book, and to keep up-to-date on all things Happy Hour, visit www.thetravisbook.com.

The Travis Book Happy Hour Season Finale Lineup

July 14 - The Travis Book Happy Hour ft. Vince Herman w/ Lyndsay Pruett
July 28 - The Travis Book Happy Hour ft. Cristina Vane w/ Mike Ashworth
August 11 - The Travis Book Happy Hour w/ Jeff Sipe, Mike Ashworth, & Tommy Maher
August 25 - The Travis Book Happy Hour ft. Andy Falco

Nashville-based folk power duo Adrian + Meredith are thrilled to share a new single, “DOA” from their forthcoming album Bad For Business, arriving August 20, 2021. A spirited anthem set to an infectious surfer-rock guitar hook, “DOA” channels the exuberant, “fly-off-the-handle” sensibilities of being young and carefree in the dog days of summer. Preceding the release of the couple’s sophomore LP effort, the bold singalong makes a strong case for living on the edge, blissfully unaware of consequences.

Written over a decade ago as Adrian was approaching burnout in metropolitan DC, the song speaks to the absurdity of hustle culture, pointing instead to the exhilaration of seizing the moment – years later, the sentiment holds true. Meredith shares, “Despite its bleak title, it’s actually a feel-good song. A reminder to have fun, make some trouble, and not take anything for granted.” Making its official streaming debut today, “DOA” is a refreshing palate cleanser in a world wrought with solemnity.

Next month, Adrian + Meredith will unveil their second studio album, Bad For Business. Produced by Mark Robertson, revered bassist and producer for The Legendary Shack Shakers, and featuring an impressive cast including pedal steel master Paul Niehaus (Justin Townes Earle, Calexico), saxophonist Ken Francis Wenzel (Carlos Santana, Bobby Parker), and banjo player Fats Kaplan (Jack White), the record spans the breadth of modern American life through the lens of current socio-political conditions. Inspired by the couple’s frequent visits abroad, Bad For Business is a patchwork of old time, Balkan, and “rogue-folk” arrangements that both reckon with and celebrate the unique aspects of our culture. Over 11 homespun tracks, the duo paints vignettes of everyday people navigating life in an increasingly unstable world, redeemed by the power of community. A poignant listen that is both timely and enduring, Bad For Business transcends borders to offer a glimpse of hope in the face of calamity.  

Bad For Business from Adrian + Meredith will be released digitally and physically on Friday, August 20. To pre-save the record, click here. For more information on Adrian + Meredith, visit adrianplusmeredith.com

Central Florida’s boutique music and arts festival, Orange Blossom Revue, has announced the artist schedule for its 2021 event. Conveniently situated between Tampa and Orlando on the picturesque grounds of Lake Wailes Park, the 7th annual festival will coalesce live performances by some of roots music’s most celebrated artists, premier local food vendors and water-side fun on the weekend of December 3-4, 2021.

Bookended by Jacksonville, Florida-bred party starters Side Hustle and a headlining performance by The Wood Brothers, Friday’s lineup will feature a diverse array of talent including the soulful sensibilities of Devon Gilfillian, and Texas troubadour Hayes Carll and OBR Artist-at-Large Roosevelt Collier. Festivities will continue on Saturday with Americana powerhouse duo The Hummingbirds, guitar master Ryan Montbleau (solo and Weekend Artist-at-Large), storied songwriter Nicki Bluhm, award-winning bluegrass outfit The Steeldrivers, and topped off with treasured southern rock ensemble Blackberry Smoke. A complete schedule can be found below.

By popular demand, single day passes for the 7th annual Orange Blossom Revue will be released on Friday, August 13 at $45 per ticket. A limited supply of $70 GA Weekend passes are still available at orangeblossomrevue.com/tickets, while VIP Weekend and RV Camping passes are sold out. A portion of proceeds from Orange Blossom Revue will support Blossom Charitable Foundation, Inc., a Lake Wales-based 501(c)(3) non profit founded by festival organizers Rusty Ingley and Reid Hardman to promote arts education and recreational youth scholarships in the community. To learn more about Blossom Charitable Foundation, visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation.

For more information about Orange Blossom Revue including real-time safety updates, visit the festival’s website at orangeblossomrevue.com.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival is proud to announce its first round of artists for its inaugural event, taking place September 2-4, 2022 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Following two back-to-back COVID-related cancellations, festival organizers look forward to launching the newly minted event alongside host outfits Jerry Douglas and The Earls of Leicester. The long-awaited reveal features several distinguished artists covering the gamut of bluegrass, Americana, Piedmont blues, and old-time music including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sam Bush Band, Alison Brown, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Dom Flemons, and more. A full list of performers is below.

Established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will celebrate the legacy of an American music legend who pioneered a unique style of banjo picking, coined “Scruggs style.” His collaborations with Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, as well as Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys helped to christen the bluegrass genre in the late 1940s. With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.

New for 2022, Earl Scruggs Music Festival has opted to expand its formerly two-day long event into a full weekend celebration, kicking off on Friday afternoon and running through Sunday afternoon. Tryon International Equestrian Center will host the event at its pristine outdoor property, which is known for its roster of rotating events including world class equestrian competitions, festive holiday celebrations, concerts, and more. The immaculate campus will serve as a quintessential backdrop for the festival, which promises on-site lodging, dining, and comfortable amenities throughout the event weekend.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival debuts September 2-4, 2022 in Mill Spring, NC. Advance price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of General Admission and VIP packages available. VIP ticket packages include reserved seating in VIP-exclusive indoor and outdoor spaces, exclusive merchandise items, complimentary refreshments, plus artist meet-and-greet opportunities. On-site camping and cabin rentals are also available for reservation via the festival website.

For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival
WHEN: September 2-4, 2022
WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC)
TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com

Earl Scruggs Music Festival Initial 2022 Lineup

Hosted by Jerry Douglas, featuring:
The Earls of Leicester
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Sam Bush Band
Alison Brown
Acoustic Syndicate
Balsam Range
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Chatham County Line
The Becky Buller Band
Dom Flemons
Unspoken Tradition
+ more to be announced soon!

The pandemonium of recent history has afforded Saluda, NC based songwriter Michael Flynn a much needed pause for reflection. Amidst the dizzying cocktail of societal shake-ups – and the subsequent restructuring of personal values – the artist and composer isn’t the first to have found inspiration in the ruins. On Monday, Under the Radar shared the first single, “Damage,” from Flynn’s forthcoming EP, endlings, which reckons with his commitment to musical artistry despite the evolving role it continues to play in his life. Set for release on Friday, February 4, the five track collection packs an impressive range of emotion in just under 20 minutes, and examines a deeply personal set of deliberations through the lens of today’s complex social landscape.

Just before the turn of the New Year, Flynn submitted a song to the internationally-touted NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition. The annual showcase, which culminates in a live finale event in Flynn’s backyard of Asheville, NC, allows independent artists the opportunity to compete for a grand prize package that includes a fully funded EP recording project, a vinyl pressing deal, and more. With his new song “Damage,” in tow, Flynn’s leap of faith paid off in the best way imaginable – securing him as the 2021 Grand Prize Winner. Although the forthcoming EP predates the NewSong opportunity, fans can now look forward to two back-to-back releases by Michael Flynn in the coming months.

A tender, piano-driven ballad, “Damage” offers listeners a timely reflection on beginnings. Despite his longstanding tenure as a performing artist, Flynn still recalls the optimistic ambition of starting something anew. In fact, Flynn’s first serious band, Slow Runner, a popular Charleston outfit that fell into the embrace of the major label circuit, was the main inspiration for the track. Nestled carefully at the forefront of the new record, “Damage” sets the stage for a deeply introspective bout that runs the gamut of mid-life meditations.

When the needle drops on endlings, the faint pluck of a banjo resonates in the distance as “Wishing Tree” cracks open. The haunting, slow-tempo arrangement is Flynn’s response to the growing challenges of making and selling art in the modern age – thematically resembling Gillian Welch’s modern classic, “Everything is Free.” With deep amber harmonies from banjoist and multimedia artist Hannah Seng, the foreboding number kickstarts a powerful story arc that carries the rest of the record.

Following a short instrumental interlude with “Andrew Henry’s Meadow,” the record finds a jovial reprieve in “Weights and Measures.” The brightly tinted sing-along, which more closely echoes Flynn’s 2020 full length release, Survive With Me, proposes the idea that life can still feel like a spirited adventure, even after we lose our proverbial rose colored glasses in the trenches of adulthood.

Closing the curtain on endlings is a sweet-tempered nod of solidarity, “To the Birds that Live in Cages,” which empathizes with anyone trying to find solace in a merciless system. Brief yet potent, the EP’s final offering strings together the notions of evaluating priorities in the face of a changing world, maturing through adversity, and coming to grips with one’s successes and failures as equally crucial opportunities for growth. Flynn shares,

“The EP is called ‘endlings’ because these songs were written during a period when I was really reflecting on my life in music and how long it has now lasted. Most of my friends and fellow songwriters who I went to school with and started out playing shows with in sad bars long ago have for the most part (one could argue wisely) moved on and grown up and are doing useful things like being chefs and nurses and teachers. An ‘endling’ is a creature who is the last of its kind; whose death will mean extinction for its species. It’s not entirely apt though, because arranging and performing these songs with my bandmates (Jonathan Gray and Hannah Seng) has been one of the most creatively inspiring projects I’ve ever been a part of. They reaffirmed my belief in the power of music to speak to emotion in a way no other language or art form can. So while I have stubbornly outlasted many peers, I also feel like I just washed up on the shore of a new world, a whole novel’s worth of story unfolding with each step inland. I’ve never made a record like this, a small and intimate and unvarnished family of songs that couldn’t just sit and wait to be included in a larger release.”

With such relatable introspection, the release of endlings proves that the impact of the pandemic, however vast and far-reaching, has bequeathed a universal call to revisit one’s values in the hopes of achieving self acceptance. And while these notions are not unique to recent events, the timeliness of such reflection weighs heavily on the collective spirit. Earnest, deeply vulnerable, and poignant as ever, Flynn’s most recent work spans the breadth of the human experience in ways that most artists would require a lifetime to achieve.

endlings from Michael Flynn is set for digital release on Friday, February 4. The single “Damage” is available today via all streaming platforms.

endlings Track Listing
Wishing Tree
Damage
Andrew Henry’s Meadow
Weights and Measures
To the Birds that Sing in Cages

GRAMMY-winning banjoist Béla Fleck, Mountain Song Productions, and Brevard Music Center have once again teamed up to present Blue Ridge Banjo Camp, taking place August 17-21, 2022 at the acclaimed music and arts institution. Applications are now open for intermediate to advanced players, with students being notified of acceptance in mid-April.

With a curriculum spanning multiple styles of three-finger banjo playing including Scruggs style, melodic, and single string, Blue Ridge Banjo Camp will welcome students of all backgrounds and experience levels to a multi-day retreat of instruction, networking, and creative collaboration. Nestled at the forefront of the idyllic Pisgah National Forest, Brevard Music Center has been a stronghold for musical showmanship since its inception in 1936. Its rich legacy in the region and picturesque location will set an inspiring stage for students to engage more deeply in their craft.

This year, expert instructors Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson, Ryan Cavanaugh, and a few yet-to-be-announced special guests will join Fleck in covering a diverse range of disciplines. Following the completion of the workshop, students will enjoy the opportunity to showcase their newfound skills with a finale concert at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium located on the Brevard Music Center campus. This year will mark the camp’s return to in-person programming since the onset of the pandemic. Retreat curator Béla Fleck shares, “after an involuntary hiatus, we are thrilled to relaunch Blue Ridge Banjo Camp. It’s gonna be the banjo hang to end all banjo hangs, for the banjo nerd in you! Personally, I can’t wait!”

Béla Fleck Presents: Blue Ridge Banjo Camp, held in partnership with Mountain Song Productions and Brevard Music Center, aims to support a culture of lifelong banjo learning through intimate instruction by some of the craft’s most distinguished experts. The annual retreat is one of several workshops hosted by Mountain Song Productions annually. To access the application portal, or for more information, visit blueridgebanjocamp.com. To learn more about Mountain Song Productions and its respective areas of programming, visit mountainsongproductions.com. For more information about Brevard Music Center, visit brevardmusic.org.

WHAT: Béla Fleck Presents: Blue Ridge Banjo Camp
WHEN: August 17-21, 2022
WHERE: Brevard Music Center (349 Andante Lane, Brevard, NC 28712)
HOW TO APPLY:
https://bit.ly/3Kn705i

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival will celebrate its long-awaited 10th anniversary at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC on May 6-7, 2022. The annual event, which pairs live music with craft beer and community, will welcome GRAMMY-winning bluegrass mainstays The Steeldrivers, English-born Americana trailblazer Jade Bird, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt, regional newgrass pioneers Acoustic Syndicate and Larry Keel Experience, and a variety of additional performers to its stage this year.

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($45 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Larry Keel Experience and Acoustic Syndicate are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from Jade Bird and The Steeldrivers are $28 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews Saturday, tasting tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the early advance price of $45 through February 8th. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV camping with hookups are available. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A children’s ticket is available for kids 5-15 for $8.

Passes to NC Brewers and Music Festival are on sale now. Visit www.ncbrewsmusic.com to purchase passes and to find additional information. A complete lineup is below.

10th Annual NC Brewers and Music Festival Lineup
The Steeldrivers
Jade Bird
Katie Pruitt
Acoustic Syndicate
Larry Keel Experience
Arlo McKinney
Abby Bryan & The Echoes
Ashley Heath and Her Heathens

Music and outdoor enthusiasts alike can look forward to an eventful few months ahead at Beech Mountain Resort with the return of its annual concert series taking place this summer. This year’s lineup will include Americana trailblazer Shakey Graves with support from fast-rising Kentucky-based outfit Bendigo Fletcher (June 18), indie-folk favorites The Head and the Heart with power rock duo Illiterate Light (July 16), plus North Carolina’s own Watchhouse with GRAMMY-winning bluegrass mainstays The SteelDrivers closing out the season (August 13). In response to declining COVID-19 numbers, the series will be resuming its original General Admission seating format, with tickets going on sale Friday, March 11.

Nestled in the picturesque North Carolina High Country, Beech Mountain Resort is known as one of the region’s premier sites for outdoor recreation. With plenty of opportunities to enjoy mountain biking, fishing, scenic lift rides, yoga, disc golf, and more, attendees are encouraged to make the most of their weekend with quintessential summer activities and on-site dining. To learn more about what Beech Mountain Resort has to offer this summer, visit beechmountainresort.com/summer/.

$50 advance tickets to the Beach Mountain Resort Summer Concert Series are on sale starting Friday, March 11, with limited on-site lodging options available for reservation. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Beech, visit beechmountainresort.com.

For sponsor inquiries, contact Talia Freeman ([email protected]) at Beech Mountain Resort.

BEECH MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2022 LINEUP
Sat. June 18 - Shakey Graves with Bendigo Fletcher
Sat. July 16 - The Head and the Heart with Illiterate Light
Sat. August 13 - Watchhouse with The SteelDrivers

WHAT: Beech Mountain Resort Summer Concert Series
WHEN: June 18; July 16; August 13, 2022
WHERE: 1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
TICKETS: $50 ADV / $60 DOS (Children 5 and under free)
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: beechmountainresort.com/2022-summer-concert-series/

Mountain Song Productions and Brevard Music Center have announced the first annual North Carolina Guitar Celebration taking place at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium on June 4, 2022. Curated in partnership with multi-award winning guitarist Bryan Sutton, the flagship event will feature an ensemble of musical masterminds including American dobro legend Jerry Douglas, bluegrass veteran Peter Rowan, guitar virtuoso Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway, Piedmont blues luminary and Carolina Chocolate Drops founding member Dom Flemons, GRAMMY-nominated Americana duo Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and more. A complete lineup is below.

Hosted in conjunction with Sutton’s first annual Blue Ridge Guitar Camp taking place June 1-5, the NC Guitar Celebration will honor pioneers of bluegrass music’s past while showcasing present day visionaries. In the spirit of life-long learning, the GRAMMY-winning instrumentalist and nine-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year has invited pickers of all styles and specialities to seek new and inspiring collaborations. With a revue-style format, music fans can prepare for a first-of-its kind experience featuring some of the most decorated showmen in roots music today.

Sutton shares, “I was fortunate to grow up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, surrounded by family and friends sharing in rich musical tradition. It’s an honor to share the stage with these great musicians in the same mountains where I first learned to play.”

Bryan Sutton Presents: The First Annual North Carolina Guitar Celebration, held in partnership with Mountain Song Productions and Brevard Music Center, will take place on June 4th, 2022 at 7:30pm EST. The event is in coordination with the Heart of Brevard's White Squirrel Weekend spanning June 3-5 across Transylvania County. Advance tickets start at $24 (General Admission/Lawn) with premium seating options available for $67. Visit secure.brevardmusic.org to purchase. Applications are now closed for Bryan Sutton’s First Annual Blue Ridge Guitar Camp. The educational retreat is one of several workshops programmed by Mountain Song Productions annually. To learn more about Mountain Song Productions, and to keep up-to-date on all things North Carolina Guitar Celebration, visit mountainsongproductions.com. For more information about Brevard Music Center, visit brevardmusic.org.

WHAT: Bryan Sutton Presents: The First Annual NC Guitar Celebration
WHEN: June 4, 2022 at 7:30pm EST
WHERE: Brevard Music Center (349 Andante Lane, Brevard, NC 28712)
EVENT WEBSITE: blueridgeguitarcamp.com/concert
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3IWU7Of

BRYAN SUTTON’S NORTH CAROLINA GUITAR CELEBRATION LINEUP
Bryan Sutton
Jerry Douglas
Peter Rowan
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Dom Flemons
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Woody Platt & Shannon Whitworth
David Grier
Grant Gordy
Courtney Hartman
Michael Daves
Nicky Sanders

Earl Scruggs Music Festival has announced the full lineup for its inaugural event taking place September 2-4, 2022 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Joining previously announced headliners Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band this Labor Day Weekend will be American banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck performing with his GRAMMY-nominated My Bluegrass Heart ensemble which includes Billy Contreras, Jacob Joliff, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, and Bryan Sutton. Also slated for Tryon this summer will be Colorado-born bluegrass/Zydeco fusionists Leftover Salmon who marked their 30th anniversary as a group this December. The two are set to perform on the Flint Hill Main Stage on Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively.

With a focus on commemorating the lasting legacy of Cleveland County-made bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs, ESMF is pleased to announce that Come Hear NC will curate a special North Carolina showcase on the Foggy Mountain Stage Friday. The educational nonprofit established by the North Carolina Arts Council and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will celebrate diverse voices from across the state with featured performances by Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth, Lakota John, Chatham Rabbits, Jon Stickley Trio, and Fireside Collective. Other NC standouts performing throughout the festival weekend include Chatham County Line, Balsam Range, Acoustic Syndicate, Rissi Palmer and more.

“Come Hear NC is an initiative of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that showcases and celebrates the roots of American music that run so deep in North Carolina,” says Secretary Reid Wilson. “Earl Scruggs is the definition of that musical legacy and we are proud to sponsor the Earl Scruggs Music Festival and the all-North Carolina Foggy Mountain Stage.”

As the festival draws near, ESMF will announce a variety of workshops in collaboration with its partners and beneficiaries the Earl Scruggs Center and WNCW 88.7. An official jamming area will be provided on-site for seasoned pickers and dabblers alike. Family-friendly amenities will also be available at the children’s area throughout the weekend. Stay tuned for details on workshops, on-site activities and additional artist announcements to be revealed soon.

General Admission and VIP ticket options are on sale now, with prices increasing in May. Camping and cabin rentals are available for reservation via Tryon International Equestrian Center. For pricing and availability, visit tryon.com/bookings/new-booking. To stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfestival.com.

Earl Scruggs Music Inaugural Lineup
Hosted by Jerry Douglas, featuring
The Earls of Leicester
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Sam Bush Band
Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart
Alison Brown
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Leftover Salmon
Chatham County Line
Jerry Douglas
Acoustic Syndicate
Balsam Range
Dom Flemons
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Becky Buller Band
Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth
Lakota John
Chatham Rabbits
Jon Stickley Trio
Fireside Collective
Unspoken Tradition
The Barefoot Movement
Bella White
Rissi Palmer
…and more to come

Mempho Music Festival has announced the lineup for its fifth annual event taking place September 30-October 2, 2022 at Memphis Botanic Garden. Leading the breadth of can't-miss performances this year will be American rock/blues duo The Black Keys, alternative rock mainstays Wilco, and decorated Americana outfit Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, as well as a double-dose of Athens-based ensemble Widespread Panic returning to the lineup by popular demand. Appearances by Portugal. The Man, Fantastic Negrito, Tank and the Bangas, Allison Russell, and Celisse are also confirmed on the Adams Keegan main stage. View the complete lineup below.

Since its debut in 2017, Mempho Fest has forged its own path in the increasingly-saturated festival circuit. Billboard Magazine has lauded the event as “one of the premiere Southeast music festivals for Americana, rock and blues music,” as evidenced by its continued growth in both patronage and enthusiasm. Last year, the festival celebrated a milestone in its new home at Radians Amphitheater by selling out on all three days, with plans to increase in capacity over the coming years. As Mempho Fest pushes forward, its continued spotlight on Memphis culture, and dedication to upholding the city’s unique musical legacy, will be a driving force in the event’s curation.

This year, Mempho Fest has once again teamed up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its charitable partner and beneficiary. The Memphis-based treatment facility is a leading resource and support center for families affected by childhood cancer and other illnesses, providing first-rate care to patients regardless of income status.

Early Bird and Tier 1 advance price tickets for Mempho Music Festival 2022 were announced in February and are now sold out. General Admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale at Tier 2 pricing and can be purchased for $195 and $660, respectively. VIP ticket packages include access to a dedicated VIP area; access to a viewing area in front of the main stage; complimentary VIP parking; $100 in Mempho credit to be used on food and beverages or Mempho merch; catered hors d’oeuvres; access to a private bar serving premium craft beer, wine, and cocktails; complimentary water and sodas; air-conditioned restrooms; WiFi and charging stations; and a dedicated VIP entrance. Tickets can be purchased through memphofest.com/tickets or through Front Gate Tickets. Single day tickets will be made available with the announcement of daily lineups closer to the festival date.

As the festival weekend approaches, organizers look forward to delivering a signature Mempho experience to newcomers and returning guests alike. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Mempho Fest, visit memphofest.com.

WHAT: Mempho Music Festival
WHEN: Friday, September 30-Sunday, October 2, 2022
WHERE: Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road)
3-DAY TICKETS: $195 GA, $660 VIP
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: memphofest.com/tickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: memphofest.com

Mempho Music Festival 2022 Lineup
The Black Keys
Widespread Panic (Two Nights)
Wilco
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Portugal. The Man
Tank and The Bangas
Fantastic Negrito
Bobby Rush
Allison Russell
Celisse
Big Ass Truck
Futurebirds
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Bette Smith
Adia Victoria
Amy LaVere
Elizabeth King

Orange Blossom Revue has announced the lineup for its eighth annual event taking place Friday and Saturday, December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park in central Florida. This year, fans can look forward to a second helping of folk/Americana luminaries The Wood Brothers, who are returning as co-curators of the 2022 event. Hand-selected artists joining The Wood Brothers this December will be headliner Margo Price, with additional appearances by GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Allison Russell, soulful troubadour Langhorne Slim, plus standouts Katie Pruitt, Neal Francis, Son Little, John R. Miller and more. A complete lineup is below.

Conveniently nestled midway between Tampa and Orlando, the intimate community of Lake Wales, FL has long been known as a best-kept secret for culture and outdoor recreation. Its bounty of Spanish moss, palmetto trees, and fragrant citrus groves makes it a choice location for two full days of entertainment and leisure, and the charming grounds of Lake Wailes Park provide a picturesque backdrop for the weekend-long celebration.

Last year, the festival announced the establishment of a new beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit works year round to support community-wide tutoring programs, arts education, and recreation programming in and around Lake Wales. Proceeds from Orange Blossom Revue will encourage future development in the creative sector of central Florida and continue to enrich the lives of its residents. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation.

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, The Orange Blossom Revue continues to shine as a can’t-miss annual destination for locals and visitors alike. The festival will take place on December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with $80 GA and $250 VIP Weekend Passes on sale starting Friday, April 22. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things OBR, visit orangeblossomrevue.com.

Orange Blossom Revue 2022 Lineup
The Wood Brothers
Margo Price
Langhorne Slim
Allison Russell
Neal Francis
Son Little
Katie Pruitt
John R. Miller
Cat Ridgeway
Laney Jones

The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. has announced the installment of a new annual music program debuting at its Workhouse Arts Center campus this summer. MusicWorks, an extended concert event, will take place Friday, June 3, 2022 with performances by Vulfpeck collaborator and GRAMMY-nominated multi instrumentalist Cory Wong, Billboard chart-topping mandolinist Sierra Hull and DC-based indie-soul sensations Oh He Dead.

Since 2008, the Workhouse Arts Center has been a leading visual and performing arts education and resource center in the greater District/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. Housed in a repurposed prison facility originally owned by the DC Correctional Complex, its mission is to foster innovative collaborations in the visual and performing arts through education, community engagement, and personal enrichment for students of all backgrounds. Its eleven-building campus is host to a variety of multidisciplinary studios, galleries, and event spaces that support the arts through workshops, intensives, and student showcases.

In 2022, the Workhouse will expand its music programming with the launch of MusicWorks, as well as its ON STAGE performance series taking place at both the McGuireWoods Gallery Theater and outdoor Rizer Pavilion Theater throughout the year. These latest additions to the Workhouse fold will further promote its mission to make art of all mediums more accessible for the everyday inquisitor.

Workhouse Arts Foundation President and CEO Leon Scioscia shares, “We are so excited to be presenting MusicWorks to our Fairfax County, Prince Williams County, and greater DMV music patrons in a unique and iconic setting. MusicWorks sets the stage for many future large scale musical events featuring nationally known artists on and around our 55 acres campus. And what’s really cool about this event is that our music patrons can visit with our 65+ resident visual artists in their distinctive campus studios and see some really beautiful art being made.”

Between sets, MusicWorks attendees will have the opportunity to freely explore the Workhouse campus, including its many galleries, art installations and common spaces. Also located on site, the Lucy Burns Museum provides further insight into the 91-year history of the Lorton Prison Complex and the events in 1917 which helped change the course of the American women’s suffrage movement. A three-course spread of music, art, and history, the inaugural event will shine light on the immense work of the nonprofit Workhouse Arts Center and its beneficiaries.

MusicWorks, featuring Cory Wong, Sierra Hull, and Oh He Dead, is set to take place on June 3, 2022.  Tickets will start at $50 (GA) and $90 (VIP) through May 5. After that, General Admission and VIP passes will be available for $65 and $105, respectively. For more pricing information, and to stay up-to-date on all things MusicWorks, visit workhousearts.org/musicworks.

This summer, Birmingham-bred, Nashville-based indie-folk quartet Certainly So will invite listeners on a road trip for the ages with the release of their sophomore album, Dreams of Green arriving July 1. A delightfully bite-sized companion to its 2021 predecessor, Future Self Only Dreams, the group's self-professed “mini LP” swells with illustrative verse, winsome arrangements, and poignant motifs that resonate far beyond the 30 minute listen. Today, the group is proud to share a music video for the sprightly first track “Daydreams” (watch/share) which will be released to digital streaming platforms this Friday.

Lifelong comrades in music and friendship, founding members Tanner Gray and Colby Wilson exude an impenetrable creative chemistry that only ripens with time. The breadth of their collaboration spans over a decade of writing, performing, and maturing in their central Alabama hometown. The pair’s complementary vocal stylings bode well for potent harmonies and intuitive compositions that leave a lasting impression, brought to life by the percussive contributions of Chase Porter and Zach Corder. Last year, the group debuted their first studio release, Future Self Only Dreams to warm reception. Sweetened with indie-rock sensibilities reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, The Brook & The Bluff, and other contemporary favorites, the band’s initial effort quickly bolstered them as an emerging talent. With their latest offering in tow, the group showcases impressive versatility by journeying further into the country and western canon.

Loaded with springy bass lines, boisterous choruses, and heaps of twang, Dreams of Green rides like a ‘67 Volkswagen on a carefree summer day. The well-paced collection loosely postulates a road trip that carries the listener from the enclaves of the south to the vast shorelines of the West Coast – complete with radio chatter and the gentle hum of an engine. The album’s breezy overture, “Jackie and Andy,” positions a pair of characters at opposite ends of the country, setting the tone for a saga of soul searching and adventure. Following a brief interlude on the dial (“The Mash FM”), the record continues with an infectious sing-along, “Daydreams,” which perfectly captures the euphoria of being blissfully in love. Tasteful embellishments including an upbeat horn section, whistling, and clapping enhance the work with a personal touch, while the album continues to oscillate between tender confessions and cheerful reprieve.

With each passing tune, the group’s western influences become all the more apparent. Masterfully timed with the geographic movement of the storyline, nods to classic country and folk tides infuse the record with a timeless feeling. Standouts like “Holy Roller” and “Song and Dance” call to mind the work of Marty Robbins, while traces of cosmic and gospel hue lift the collection into the present day.

Drawing the curtain on their originals is the stoic track, “Far From Home” (the first song written and sung by Certainly So bassist Chase Porter), which denotes the unraveling of a relationship and the peaceful resignation of leaving the past behind. Its delicate display completes the record with a satisfying resolution and a renewed sense of hope despite enduring uncertainties.

And there’s no silver and no gold
Just a story to be told
From my newfound point of view
Far from home
Far from you

The group bids farewell with a choice cover, “I Still Miss Someone” (originally written and performed by Johnny Cash and Roy Cash, Jr.), which echoes with rich vocal unity and leaves listeners on a sentimental note.

Stalwart, vast, and wholly unique, Dreams of Green begs for a repeat listen. On the forthcoming release, Certainly So fills every space with intention and sincerity, and exhibits a confidence that is far beyond their years as an outfit. The album is set for release on Friday, July 1st. The focus track “Daydreams” will be distributed to digital streaming platforms tomorrow, May 13th. To learn more, visit certainlysomusic.com.

Philadelphia Folk Festival has announced the initial lineup for its 60th anniversary event taking place August 18-21, 2022 at its idyllic home, Old Pool Farm, just north of Philadelphia. The weekend-long celebration will include headlining appearances from hip-hop fusion mavericks Michael Franti & Spearhead, Punch Brothers (reviving their celebrated American Acoustic ensemble featuring Americana heavyweights Watchhouse and Sarah Jarosz), and Americana-soul sensations The War and Treaty. Other standouts covering the gamut of folk, rock, roots, and global music include Arrested Development, Hiss Golden Messenger, Aoife O’Donovan, Talisk, and many more. Longtime friend of the festival, contemporary folk veteran Christine Lavin will return as an emcee and spotlight artist this summer. View the complete lineup below.

The oldest continuously run outdoor music festival in North America, the Philadelphia Folk Festival brings together folk pioneers, music appreciators, and the genre’s bright young voices annually for a festival experience unlike any other. The beloved event, presented by the parent non-profit Philadelphia Folksong Society, aims to celebrate the richness of the folk music canon through choice entertainment, workshops, and collaborative opportunities, all amidst the tranquil setting of rural Pennsylvania. Over its impressive tenure, the festival has cultivated a family-like atmosphere in which every attendee, regardless of prior experience, feels at home on the farm. With a legacy that continues to ripen each year, PFF is a model heritage event in the folk space and beyond.

Following a brief hiatus of in-person programming to lead two acclaimed fully interactive digital festival experiences in 2020 and 2021, PFF is thrilled to be returning to its full physical form this year while continuing the digital model that made the event more accessible than ever. Justin Nordell, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Folksong Society shares,

“When we learned on March 11, 2020 that the COVID-19 virus was not only here, but potentially here to stay, the Philadelphia Folksong Society sprang into action. Quietly postponing their full calendar, the organization became one of the pandemic pioneers of the digital format, presenting its first livestream concert on March 13 with the Mari Black Trio (a Philly Folk first-timer for 2020) and raising over $1000 for the group whose tour was among the trove of casualties induced by the pandemic. In the years following, PFS would go on to raise over $200,000 directly for artists through our digital concert venue and the digital 59th and 59 ½ Philadelphia Folk Festivals, all while doing what we do best: supporting and building our community. Nearly three years after we last stepped foot on the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, PA, PFF will welcome our folk family from near and far back home to the sacred grounds of our festival, where Mari Black and dozens of other artists can finally take the PFF stage and replenish our souls with live music.”

Following the wide acclaim of their first two digital festivals that engaged tens of thousands of attendees across 86 countries, PFF will be fully hybrid for its 60th. In addition to its physical form, the 2022 installment will include three digital stages broadcasting live during the event, alongside real-time footage of each physical stage. Streaming tickets and streaming access add-ons are a must-have for the festival goer who dreams of being everywhere all at once.

This year, the festival will continue its tradition of presenting the very best of local and regional talent onstage, but with a twist! Members of the PFS Philadelphia Music Co-Op are currently participating in the Martin Stage Melee, an old-school battle of the bands tournament set to showcase the bounty of homegrown talent in the Philadelphia region. Out of 32 acts, one fan-chosen winner will receive a coveted headlining slot at the 2022 festival. In-person and streaming tickets are available for the semifinal and final Martin Stage Melee rounds to support the top 8 performers: Andrea Nardello, The Bent Benjamins, Emily Drinker, Erin Fox, Maggie Mae, Paul Saint John & the NightHawks, Rob Lincoln, and Turtle Ridge. Voters may cast their ballot in support of their favorite act up to 72 hours following the concert. The winner will be announced in July and join the lineup on the legendary Martin Guitar Stage. For more information, visit folkfest.org.

General Admission and “Friend of the Festival” (VIP) weekend passes are on sale now. Single Day passes, Camping (RV and Tent), and Virtual Streaming tickets are also available via the festival’s website. For more information on pricing, family rates, and PFS membership discounts, visit folkfest.org/60thtickets. All active 59th Festival tickets will be honored.

WHAT: Philadelphia Folk Festival 60th Anniversary
WHEN: Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21, 2022
WHERE: Old Pool Farm (1323 Salford Station Rd., Upper Salford Township, PA)
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: folkfest.org/60thtickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: folkfest.org
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://spoti.fi/3yGeNb9

Philadelphia Folk Festival 2022 Lineup
Michael Franti & Spearhead
American Acoustic: Punch Brothers and Watchhouse featuring Sarah Jarosz
The War and Treaty
Arrested Development
Hiss Golden Messenger
Aoife O’Donovan
Talisk
Dustbowl Revival
Bettye LaVette
Tom Rush
Dom Flemons
Livingston Taylor
Trousdale
Davina & The Vagabonds
Jim Kweskin
Happy Traum
Raye Zaragoza
The Lee Boys
ADG7
Los Texmaniacs
RUNA
Crys Matthews
Billy Keane
Mo Kenney
Heather Maloney
Twisted Pine
Matt Nakoa
Abigail Lapell
Mari Black Trio
Mike McKenna, Jr.
Catherine Britt
Addison Agen
Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists
Susan O'Neill
Frigg
Christine Lavin
And Many More to Come!

Mempho Music Festival has announced the daily lineup for its fifth annual event taking place September 30-October 2, 2022 at Memphis Botanic Garden. The three-day event is set to kick off with a combo plate of funk, soul, rock and Americana courtesy of Adia Victoria, Bette Smith, Futurebirds, and Fantastic Negrito before Friday heavyweights Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and The Black Keys take the Adams Keegan main stage. The rock/blues duo will close out the first night with a selection of hits and choice samples from their newly released studio effort Dropout Boogie before passing the torch to psych-pop sensations Portugal. The Man and Saturday headliner Widespread Panic. Drawing the curtain on an unforgettable weekend will be the lively funk/fusion sensibilities of 2017 Tiny Desk Contest winner Tank and the Bangas, a marquee set by treasured alternative rock ensemble Wilco, and a second helping of Widespread Panic’s illustrious live production. A complete day-by-day breakdown is below.

Single Day passes are available now via the festival’s website for $90 (GA) and $295 (VIP). General Admission and VIP Weekend tickets to Mempho Music Festival are currently on sale at Tier 2 pricing and can be purchased for $195 and $660, respectively. VIP ticket packages include access to a dedicated VIP area; access to a viewing area in front of the main stage; complimentary VIP parking; $25 in Mempho credit to be used on food and beverages or Mempho merch ($100 for 3-day passes); catered hors d’oeuvres; access to a private bar serving premium craft beer, wine, and cocktails; complimentary water and sodas; air-conditioned restrooms; WiFi and charging stations; and a dedicated VIP entrance. Tickets can be purchased through memphofest.com/tickets or through Front Gate Tickets.

For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Mempho Fest, visit memphofest.com.

Mempho Music Festival 2022 Daily Lineup

Friday, September 30
The Black Keys
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Fantastic Negrito
Futurebirds
Bette Smith
Adia Victoria

Saturday, October 1
Widespread Panic
Portugal. The Man
Celisse
Big Ass Truck
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
Amy Lavere

Sunday, October 2
Widespread Panic
Wilco
Tank and the Bangas
Bobby Rush
Allison Russell
Elizabeth King

Philadelphia Folk Festival is proud to share the daily lineup for its 60th anniversary celebration taking place August 18-21, 2022 at Old Pool Farm just north of Philadelphia. Spanning four days of eclectic artistry, the milestone event kicks off Thursday evening with performances by Louisiana-based soul outfit J & the Causeways, Celtic-pop sister act Screaming Orphans, and award-winning Scottish folk rockers Talisk. Friday will see marquee appearances by Talisk and Dustbowl Revival, with the highly-anticipated return of American Acoustic: The Punch Brothers and Watchhouse featuring Sarah Jarosz closing out the Martin Guitar main stage. Saturday standouts Arrested Development and Tom Rush will pass the torch to headliners Michael Franti & Spearhead while Hiss Golden Messenger and The War & Treaty gear up for their respective Sunday night closers. Festival veteran Christine Lavin will be present Friday-Sunday as emcee and artist-in-residence. A complete day-by-day breakdown is below.

The oldest continuously run outdoor music festival in North America, the Philadelphia Folk Festival weaves folkways from all corners of the earth into one can’t miss spectacle. Featuring a melodious mix of roots, rock, hip hop and global beats from the Scottish Highlands to the northernmost tip of Scandinavia, the iconic heritage event is known for its transcendent lineups that put the far-reaching influence of the folk canon on full display. Now entering its 60th year, the festival continues to deliver show-stopping productions to a zealous fanbase spanning multiple generations.

The inaugural Martin Stage Melee is currently in full swing at the Philadelphia Folksong Society where 32 artists from the Philadelphia Music Co-Op have been competing for a Martin Stage slot at this year’s festival. Having just completed its Semifinal Round 3, just a few weeks remain until one fan-chosen winner will go on to perform a triumphant main stage set at the 2022 festival.

A limited run of General Admission and “Friend of the Festival” (VIP) weekend passes are on sale now at their lowest price before jumping on July 1st. Single Day passes, Camping (RV and Tent), and Virtual Streaming tickets are also available via the festival’s website. For more information on pricing, family rates, and PFS membership discounts, visit folkfest.org/60thtickets. All active 59th Festival tickets will be honored.

WHAT: Philadelphia Folk Festival 60th Anniversary
WHEN: Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21, 2022
WHERE: Old Pool Farm (1323 Salford Station Rd., Upper Salford Township, PA)
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: folkfest.org/60thtickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: folkfest.org
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://spoti.fi/3yGeNb9

Down in the hollers of Lee County, Alabama, cosmic country fixture B.B. Palmer is readying the release of his most transcendent work to date, Krishna Country Gold arriving August 19th, 2022. The forthcoming collection follows Palmer’s 2019 full length debut, Lee County’s Finest, as well as the 2021 release of the EP’s two feature tracks, “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory,” which have garnered praise from PopMatters, Glide Magazine, Americana UK, and more. The brief listen is a brilliant sonic patchwork of spiritual discernment, weaving the rich texture of far eastern traditions with a downhome blend of country grit and all American storytelling.

Recorded entirely in central Alabama with an all-local ensemble, the five track collection embodies the renewed spiritual identity of Bernard “BB” Palmer Breitung (the group’s namesake), whose strict Catholic upbringing shaped much of his philosophical perspective until a divine encounter with the Bhagavad Gita struck him with a revelation he didn’t know he needed.

“I can’t remember where I found it, if someone gave it to me, or if it just materialized — but I’m thinking it’s the latter, because I just can’t put a finger on it,” Palmer recalls.

Palmer’s resonance with the text quickly became a guidepost for his day-to-day existence, further galvanized by his newfound appreciation for the raga canon of classical Indian music. Another lightning bolt moment came when he noticed the similarities between instruments like the sitar and the twangy flavor of American steel guitar and fiddle. The ensuing sonic expedition would eventually empower the group to explore their musicality in a vast new landscape.

Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, Krishna Country Gold covers tremendous ground, carefully annotating the absurdities of the human condition with each bite-sized chapter. The opening ballad, “The Great Cosmic Motion Picture Show,” introduces themes of existential curiosity and wayfinding through a grand, cinematic display. Its playful nods to the spaghetti western films of the 1960s and dark undertones reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Chris Isaak further showcase Palmer’s diverse influences and creativity. Another standout, “God Consciousness” glides seamlessly from psychedelic waltz to the bouncy, pop-forward grooves of longtime bandmate and telecaster master Josh “Bucky” McKenzie, before settling into a dizzying concoction of electric guitar, funky bass lines and celestial sitar whispers.

Mid-listen, the spirited “Why Do You” (featuring the wistful harmonies and duet lines of Birmingham powerhouse Taylor Hunnicutt) gently bridges the climactic back-to-back manifestos “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory.” Brimming with stoic commentary, capricious one-liners and sewn together by Palmer’s signature barroom tenor, the closing passages find equilibrium in their honest-to-goodness delivery.

On Krishna Country Gold, Palmer solidifies himself as a master of wit and whimsy. Waxing poetic on everything from chemtrails, to shape shifting lizard people, and other nonsensical conspiracies, he seasons the project with playful accouterments that lighten the load without compromising sincerity. At its core, the record underwrites the journey of a vagabond soul yearning for home. It’s an earnest exploration of global soundscapes and diverse perspectives; a testament to the power of keeping an open mind. Remarkably accessible and studded with provocative insight, Krishna Country Gold is a living relic of personal conviction that warps and bends with its protagonist’s ever-unfolding discoveries.

Krishna Country Gold will be released to all digital streaming platforms on Friday, August 19th, 2022. The singles “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory” are available now. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things B.B. Palmer, visit bbpalmermusic.com.

Philadelphia Folk Festival has announced a final round of artists set to perform at its 60th anniversary celebration on August 18-21, 2022. Over a dozen new acts including 17 year old banjo sensation Nora Brown, Canadian folk favorites Mama’s Broke, British Americana duo The Black Feathers, and more will join the marquee alongside Michael Franti & Spearhead, American Acoustic (The Punch Brothers, Watchhouse, Sarah Jarosz), The War and Treaty, Arrested Development, Hiss Golden Messenger, plus workshops, children’s activities, and fireside jams. A detailed lineup and schedule for the weekend is now available on the festival’s website at folkfest.org.

Philadelphia Folksong Society is also proud to reveal Emily Drinker as winner of its inaugural Martin Stage Melee, a multi-week long performance tournament inviting 32 acts from the Philadelphia Music Co-Op to compete for a Martin Stage slot at the 2022 festival. The accomplished singer-songwriter will bring her soulful brand of folk-pop sensibilities to the Martin Stage on Sunday afternoon.

Additional curated programming at Philadelphia Folk Festival will include artist-led workshops such as Dom Flemons and Nora Brown’s This Banjo Surrounds Hate & Forces It To Surrender; Queer Is Folk featuring Crys Matthews, Mo Kenney, Andrea Nardello, and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh, thought-provoking musical sessions from festival host and artist-in-residence Christine Lavin, and more. Also taking place throughout the weekend will be showcases of the immense talents of 37 Philadelphia-area acts from the Philadelphia Folksong Society’s Philadelphia Music Co-Op, a campfire open mic, and family-friendly entertainment from Ants on a Log, John Flynn, North Star Puppets, Give & Take Jugglers, and more bringing fun and silliness to the Dulcimer Grove children’s area.

The oldest continuously run outdoor music festival in North America, the Philadelphia Folk Festival weaves folkways from all corners of the earth into one can’t miss spectacle. Featuring a melodious mix of roots, rock, hip hop and global beats from the Scottish Highlands to the northernmost tip of Scandinavia, the iconic heritage event is known for its transcendent lineups that put the far-reaching influence of the folk canon on full display. Now entering its 60th year, the festival continues to deliver show-stopping productions to a zealous fanbase spanning multiple generations.

A limited run of General Admission and “Friend of the Festival” (VIP) weekend passes are on sale now at their current pricing level. Single Day passes, Camping (RV and Tent), and Virtual Streaming tickets are also available via the festival’s website. For more information on pricing, family rates, and PFS membership discounts, visit folkfest.org/60thtickets. All active 59th Festival tickets will be honored.

WHAT: Philadelphia Folk Festival 60th Anniversary
WHEN: Thursday, August 18 - Sunday, August 21, 2022
WHERE: Old Pool Farm (1323 Salford Station Rd., Upper Salford Township, PA)
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: folkfest.org/60thtickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: folkfest.org
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: https://spoti.fi/3yGeNb9

Down in the hollers of Lee County, Alabama, cosmic country fixture B.B. Palmer is readying the release of his most transcendent work to date, Krishna Country Gold arriving August 19th, 2022. The forthcoming collection follows Palmer’s 2019 full length debut, Lee County’s Finest, as well as the 2021 release of the EP’s two feature tracks, “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory,” which have garnered praise from PopMatters, Glide Magazine, Americana UK, and more. The brief listen is a brilliant sonic patchwork of spiritual discernment, weaving the rich texture of far eastern traditions with a downhome blend of country grit and all American storytelling.

Recorded entirely in central Alabama with an all-local ensemble, the five track collection embodies the renewed spiritual identity of Bernard “BB” Palmer Breitung (the group’s namesake), whose strict Catholic upbringing shaped much of his philosophical perspective until a divine encounter with the Bhagavad Gita struck him with a revelation he didn’t know he needed.

“I can’t remember where I found it, if someone gave it to me, or if it just materialized — but I’m thinking it’s the latter, because I just can’t put a finger on it,” Palmer recalls.

Palmer’s resonance with the text quickly became a guidepost for his day-to-day existence, further galvanized by his newfound appreciation for the raga canon of classical Indian music. Another lightning bolt moment came when he noticed the similarities between instruments like the sitar and the twangy flavor of American steel guitar and fiddle. The ensuing sonic expedition would eventually empower the group to explore their musicality in a vast new landscape.

Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, Krishna Country Gold covers tremendous ground, carefully annotating the absurdities of the human condition with each bite-sized chapter. The opening ballad, “The Great Cosmic Motion Picture Show,” introduces themes of existential curiosity and wayfinding through a grand, cinematic display. Its playful nods to the spaghetti western films of the 1960s and dark undertones reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Chris Isaak further showcase Palmer’s diverse influences and creativity. Another standout, “God Consciousness” glides seamlessly from psychedelic waltz to the bouncy, pop-forward grooves of longtime bandmate and telecaster master Josh “Bucky” McKenzie, before settling into a dizzying concoction of electric guitar, funky bass lines and celestial sitar whispers.

Mid-listen, the spirited “Why Do You” (featuring the wistful harmonies and duet lines of Birmingham powerhouse Taylor Hunnicutt) gently bridges the climactic back-to-back manifestos “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory.” Brimming with stoic commentary, capricious one-liners and sewn together by Palmer’s signature barroom tenor, the closing passages find equilibrium in their honest-to-goodness delivery.

On Krishna Country Gold, Palmer solidifies himself as a master of wit and whimsy. Waxing poetic on everything from chemtrails, to shape shifting lizard people, and other nonsensical conspiracies, he seasons the project with playful accouterments that lighten the load without compromising sincerity. At its core, the record underwrites the journey of a vagabond soul yearning for home. It’s an earnest exploration of global soundscapes and diverse perspectives; a testament to the power of keeping an open mind. Remarkably accessible and studded with provocative insight, Krishna Country Gold is a living relic of personal conviction that warps and bends with its protagonist’s ever-unfolding discoveries.

Krishna Country Gold will be released to all digital streaming platforms on Friday, August 19th, 2022. The singles “Simulation Theory” and “Many Worlds Theory” are available now. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things B.B. Palmer, visit bbpalmermusic.com.

Mempho Music Festival has announced the daily schedule for its fifth annual event taking place September 30-October 2, 2022 at Memphis Botanic Garden. The three-day event is set to kick off with a combo plate of funk, soul, rock and Americana courtesy of Adia Victoria, Bette Smith, Futurebirds, and Fantastic Negrito before Friday heavyweights Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and The Black Keys both deliver full 90 minute sets at the Adams Keegan main stage. The rock/blues duo will close out the first night before passing the torch to psych-pop sensations Portugal. The Man and Saturday headliner Widespread Panic. Drawing the curtain on an unforgettable weekend will be the lively funk/fusion sensibilities of 2017 Tiny Desk Contest winner Tank and the Bangas, a marquee set by treasured alternative rock ensemble Wilco, and a second helping of Widespread Panic’s illustrious live production. A complete schedule is below.

A limited number of General Admission and VIP Weekend tickets to Mempho Music Festival are still available and can be purchased for $195 and $660, respectively. Single Day passes are available now via the festival’s website for $90 (GA) and $295 (VIP). VIP ticket packages include access to a dedicated VIP area; access to a viewing area in front of the main stage; complimentary VIP parking; $100 in Mempho credit to be used on food and beverages or Mempho merch ($25 for single day passes); snacks throughout the day; access to a private bar serving premium craft beer, wine, and cocktails; complimentary water and sodas; air-conditioned restrooms; WiFi and charging stations; and a dedicated VIP entrance. Premium three-day parking passes are also on sale for General Admission ticket holders who wish to upgrade to VIP parking. Tickets can be purchased through memphofest.com/tickets or through Front Gate Tickets.

For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Mempho Fest, visit memphofest.com.

WHAT: Mempho Music Festival
WHEN: Friday, September 30-Sunday, October 2, 2022
WHERE: Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road)
3-DAY TICKETS: $195 GA, $660 VIP
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: memphofest.com/tickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: memphofest.com

Cosmic country fans rejoice: B.B. Palmer is back with his boldest offering to date. Aptly titled Krishna Country Gold and released August 19, 2022, the genre-defying collection explores intricate metaphysical theories inspired by Palmer’s deepening relationship with the Bhagavad Gita. Juxtaposed with the Lee County, Alabama native’s staunchly Catholic upbringing, the poignant listen funnels philosophies from opposite ends of the earth into one brilliant kaleidoscope.

On Krishna Country Gold, Palmer weaves the rich texture of far eastern traditions with a downhome blend of country grit and all American storytelling. The resulting sonic patchwork employs everything from traditional Indian instruments like the sitar and tanpura, to an exuberant horn section, and trademark country apparatuses like the slide guitar, fiddle and organ. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, the breakneck collection doesn’t skip a beat. Each bite-sized chapter unravels a goldmine of surprises that keeps listeners at the edge of their seats.

On the heels of Palmer’s 2019 full length debut, Lee County’s Finest, Krishna Country Gold is an illustrious followup to Palmer’s previous works. With updated instrumentation, strikingly vulnerable subject matter, and timely, whimsical embellishments, Palmer’s latest exudes a maturity that is well beyond the young troubadour’s years.

Glide Magazine has compared the project to the likes of George Harrison, Father John Misty, and Devandra Banhart, calling it “ a twangy mystic stew” while PopMatters has lauded it  “a mesmerizing brand of ethereal roots music.” At its core, the record underwrites the journey of a vagabond soul yearning for home; an earnest exploration of global soundscapes and diverse perspectives. Remarkably accessible and studded with provocative insight, Krishna Country Gold is a living relic of personal conviction that warps and bends with its protagonist’s ever-unfolding discoveries.

Krishna Country Gold is now streaming on all digital listening platforms. Newly-announced tour dates and a track listing can be found below. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things B.B. Palmer, visit bbpalmermusic.com.

B.B. Palmer
Krishna Country Gold

Track Listing

1. The Great Cosmic Motion Picture Show
2. God Consciousness
3. Why Do You?
4. Simulation Theory
5. Many Worlds Theory

B.B. Palmer Tour Dates
09/23 + 09/24 - Brasher’s Little Nashville - Owensboro, KY^
10/14 - Opelika Songwriters Festival - Opelika, AL
10/29 - The Cotton Gin - Demopolis, AL*

^With Taylor Hunnicutt
*With Taylor Hunnicutt and Friends

Perpetual Groove fans rejoice: the seminal jam-rock titans have returned with their first original studio work since 2019, “Out Here.” Available for streaming worldwide today, the infectious single follows the group’s critically acclaimed self-titled album (Perpetual Groove) and 2021 EP (C’mon. Covers?) and is the first PGroove song to be released in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos exclusively on Apple Music. It is available for streaming worldwide today.

Adorned with effervescent guitarwork, a driving, heartland cadence, and the intoxicating vocal display of Brock Butler, “Out Here” affirms how the quartet’s unquestionable chemistry has only ripened with time. The spirited number offers an uplifting message for an uncertain era, complete with Perpetual Groove’s signature weightless delivery. A fan favorite of the group’s live show, “Out Here” is now available for fans to enjoy on their own time.

“We’ve wanted to give ‘Out Here,’ the studio treatment for quite some time,” commented Perpetual Groove keyboardist, Matt McDonald. “It was great to revisit and rearrange this tune with a fresh approach. We all couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Perpetual Groove continues to conquer the jam scene with its dynamic presence both on and off stage. The group’s breakout album, Sweet Oblivious Antidote (released in 2003) has been praised internationally and is widely regarded as one of the most quintessential works in the canon. To commemorate its impending milestone, Perpetual Groove will release a remixed and remastered 20th anniversary run of Sweet Oblivious Antidote in early 2023. The LP will be pressed to vinyl for the first time ever, featuring two newly recorded bonus tracks.

With sights set on an exciting year ahead, Perpetual Groove will embark on an extensive North American tour this fall, starting at their beloved home venue, Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA on September 9th, with additional appearances confirmed in Austin, New Orleans, New York, and more. A complete list of tour dates is below.

About Perpetual Groove

Based in Athens, GA, Perpetual Groove is a long-time well-established touring act with an enthusiastic fan base and international critical acclaim. Dubbed PGroove by their fans, their music has been best described as anthemic trance arena rock. Their large catalog of original music offers something for everyone. The addition of an intense, retina burning, intelligent light show creates an atmosphere unlike any other, assuring fans they’ll get a highly polished, yet different show each night. With the recent addition of drummer Darren Stanley (Col.Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Larkin Poe, Oz Noy, Peter Rowan) Perpetual Groove has positioned themselves to enter an entirely new era with a fresh perspective and sound. Almost 20 years into their career, Perpetual Groove continues to showcase the evolution of their cultivated music and performances. This is a band that is fully realized and ready to bring their sound, storytelling, and live experience to the masses.

Perpetual Groove 2022 Tour Dates

09/09 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre
09/10 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Pour House
09/14 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co.
09/15 - Austin, TX - The Mohwak
09/16 - Houston TX, Last Concert Cafe
09/17 - New Orleans, LA - Tipitina’s
09/23 - Savannah, GA - Victory North Savannah
09/24 - Greer, SC - The Spinning Jenny
10/12 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
10/13 - Ardmore, PA - Ardmore Music Hall
10/14 - Worcester, MA - Off the Rails
10/15 - New York, NY - Brooklyn Bowl
10/16 - Morristown, NJ - The Homestead
10/19 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre
10/20 - Richmond, VA - The Broadberry
10/21 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
10/22 - High Point, NC - Ziggy’s Spacwe
11/18 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904 Music Hall
11/19 - Leesburg, FL - JamBurg
11/23 - Atlanta, GA - Terminal West

Mempho Music Festival closed the curtains on its 2022 event this weekend, delivering a larger-than-life celebration to an enthusiastic audience of Memphians and out of town visitors alike. The three-day immersive experience marked Mempho’s second year at its new home, Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Gardens, and the festival’s fifth consecutive year in operation. Bringing first class entertainment to the most legendary music city on earth, Mempho Fest has quickly garnered a reputation for its thoughtfully-curated music lineups, comfortable atmosphere, and distinctly-Memphis culture.

On Friday, guests were greeted by the haunting southern-gothic stylings of Nashville mainstay Adia Victoria before vintage soul diva Bette Smith brought her infectious energy to the Adams Keegan main stage. Boisterous southern rock outfit Futurebirds delivered a feel-good set amidst the warm glow of golden hour while headliner Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit rocked the crowd with their hard-driving anthems and tender duets shared with Isbell’s wife and bandmate Amanda Shires. Fantastic Negrito and his rollicking band were a festival favorite, channeling the spirit of James Brown with their funky arrangements and Negrito’s eccentric stage presence. The Black Keys topped off the night with an incendiary performance, featuring classic hits like “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Howlin’ For You” before inviting veteran blues guitarist Kenny Brown to the stage. The surprise cameo saw tributes to Delta blues legends Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and more, employing songs from the group’s 2021 covers album Delta Kream. Rounding out the day were activations from Michael Weintrob, whose Instrumenthead exhibit was displayed in the Lexus VIP Village, plus an awe-inspiring fire show and silent disco extravaganza in the aptly-named nexAir Incendia Dome.

Saturday was bookended by inspiring performances from Memphis folk-pop luminary Amy Lavere and Mempho alums Widespread Panic, with afternoon appearances by soul-jazz titans Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Celisse, and psychedelic-funk ensemble Big Ass Truck. The local legends had the audience shaking in their boots before GRAMMY-winning rock sensations Portugal. The Man burned down the main stage with their explosive production. Joined by the storied Chuck Leavell, Widespread Panic treated the crowd to singalongs like The Allman Brothers’ “Jessica” and The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” plus a rousing cover of Jerry Joseph and Glenn Esparza’s “Climb to Safety,” showcasing the talents of Panic’s-own JoJo Hermann on the organ. In the VIP Village, Memphis restaurant Hog and Hominy and VIP sponsor Lexus invited guest chefs Johnny Banta, Aaron Siegel, and Taylor Garrigan of Home Team BBQ, to offer a smoked chicken wing spread curated uniquely for Mempho VIP patrons.

Mempho Fest gave life to the phrase “never miss a Sunday show” on its third and final day, beginning with a powerful set from local treasure Elizabeth King. The sacred-soul figure was as poised and elegant as ever as she transported festival goers to “church” with her gospel sensibilities. With a show-stopping voice and radiant smile, Canadian songstress Allison Russell dazzled the audience with her Memphis debut. Her ethereal storytelling was made even better when she welcomed her young daughter, Ida Maeve, to the stage for a few singalongs. Meanwhile, iconic bluesman Bobby Rush delivered a lively collection of tunes from his over seven decades-deep catalog before American alt-rock favorites Wilco commanded the main stage with choice picks from their seminal album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot plus many contemporary favorites. GRAMMY-nominated, NPR Tiny Desk Contest winners Tank and the Bangas summoned their New Orleans blend of funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word for the close-out of the Music Gives stage, paving the way for an unforgettable grand finale from Widespread Panic, whose collaborative spirit was proven once again when they surprised the audience with a cameo from Bobby Rush for “Gotta Have Money” and Bowlegged Woman”.

With over 20,000 total attendees throughout the weekend from 44 U.S. states as well as Canada and Europe, Mempho Music Festival 2022 was nothing short of a home run. All sights are set on the festival’s return to Memphis Botanic Gardens Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2023, with Early Bird passes available soon. Head to Mempho Fest's Instagram page to view daily recaps from the weekend.

Orange Blossom Revue has announced the daily lineups for its eighth annual event taking place Friday and Saturday, December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park in central Florida. Host band The Wood Brothers have hand-selected country mainstay Margo Price to lead Friday’s lineup alongside soulful troubadour Langhorne Slim, enchanting retro-pop sensation Neal Francis, and breakout star Katie Pruitt. On Saturday, The Wood Brothers will be joined by Allison Russell, John R. Miller, Son Little, plus a slew of additional artists that running the gamut from Americana, rock, soul, and blues music. See above for a full day-by-day breakdown.

Last year, Orange Blossom Revue announced the establishment of a new beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit works year round to support community-wide tutoring programs, arts education, and recreation programming in and around Lake Wales. In light of Hurricane Ian’s devastating effects across the state of Florida, Orange Blossom Revue has partnered with Lake Wales Care Center, Inc. to allocate a portion of their proceeds towards hurricane relief efforts for the entire month of October. Additional proceeds from the festival will continue to support the Blossom Charitable Foundation and its mission to enrich the lives of Lake Wales residents. Visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation to learn more about Blossoms Charitable Foundation, and lakewalescarecenter.com/ to learn more about Lake Wales Care Center and explore how you can help.

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, The Orange Blossom Revue continues to shine as a can’t-miss annual destination for locals and visitors alike. The festival will take place on December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with $80 weekend passes and daily passes starting at $55 on sale now. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things OBR, visit orangeblossomrevue.com.

Boulevards, the namesake of North Carolina based psychedelic soul artist Jamil Rashad, has shared the music video for “Problems” from the outfit’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud. The film is available to view today via Brooklyn Vegan, which compliments the song for "[channeling] vintage-yet-timeless soul music [that] tackles a heavily personal topic." Watch and share HERE.

Performing as Boulevards, Rashad has garnered national attention for his larger-than-life stage presence and impressive range of emotional display. The artist’s second release on Normaltown Records (an imprint of New West Records) showcases Rashad’s electrifying, James Brown-inspired persona alongside deeply ruminative songwriting and tender vocal work.

On the song “Problems,” Rashad emphasizes the importance of facing one’s hardships head-on. The tender manifesto is an inspirational look into Rashad’s personal journey in overcoming addiction, insecurities, and adversity, echoing a universal message about perseverance.

Rashad shares, “We all have issues and problems that come and go. Whether it be death, friendship, love, lust, family, financial security..as life goes on we will have to face our problems. [After] turning to a life of sobriety, the urge to drink and use [is] gone, but now I’m finally facing the real issues internally, chasing emotional sobriety. The issues that can hold us back from accepting, giving love, and growing. Since being in recovery, I’ve been chasing that sense of peace.”

Set in a lush valley in Rashad’s home state of North Carolina, the celestial music video embodies a tranquil dreamscape that captures the sense of surrender on which Rashad meditates. With a peaceful rhythm, cosmic production, and Boulevards’ sultry vocal work, the track “Problems” is a standout on his most recent album.

“Problems” is available to view today via Brooklyn Vegan. Boulevards’ 2022 release Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud is available now across all digital platforms, as well as compact disc and vinyl. For more information, visit New West Records.

Nashville based roots duo Golden Shoals have released two new singles today for the post-lockdown era. With roots steeped in traditional acoustic performance, creative collaborators Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski reintroduced themselves as Golden Shoals in 2020 with the release of their self-titled album. Now stepping comfortably into their new identity as a genre-bending folk ensemble, the two are proud to share a series of tracks that memorialize the unique challenges of re-emerging from the pandemic age.

Golden Shoals have mastered the art of balance over the course of their decade-long collaboration. As equal contributors in the songwriting process, the pair has become known for crafting characteristically upbeat arrangements that blend old-time charm with a fervent indie-rock spirit. On their latest offerings, both Alvey and Killianski have a chance to express their own meditations about the current state of the world, trading vocal responsibilities to match their respective sentiments.

Alvey’s “Treading Water” speaks to the growing threat of alternative news sources and misinformation that gave rise to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection. Written in response to the event’s violent aftermath, Alvey explores the phenomenon of political division among families, drawing from her own experiences with relational contention.

On the track, Alvey shares, “My parents and I disagree politically. They are staunch Fox News supporters, and throughout the pandemic it was especially trying on our relationship. Many phone conversations from 2020 and 2021 between my mother and I would devolve into a screaming fight. The song speaks to underlying grief in feeling so disconnected in world view to someone you love. In the current political polarization, it’s a dynamic that many Americans will only continue to deal with.”

Channeling the honky tonk sensibilities of Roger Miller on the heartfelt ballad “Ain’t No New Orleans,” Kilianski vocalizes his anxiety about the slow-sinking city of New Orleans, bringing a personal touch to a widespread concern about climate change. The song’s chorus, “I don’t want to live in a world where there ain’t no New Orleans” carries a necessary urgency akin to its predecessor.

Kilianski’s personal connection to the Crescent City demands a staunch call to action. In response to the upheaval of Hurricane Ida in 2021, the songwriter employs American songbook-style verse to communicate a poignant message about the dire state of our climate. Throughout the verse, Kilianski pays homage to the rich musical and cultural history of the city, imploring others to help preserve it before time and opportunity run dry.

Kilianski explains, “It is a simple declaration that if our current class structures remain intact, the most important cultural center in the US will be destroyed in a matter of years or decades due to man-made climate change.”

Produced by Kai Welch (Kacey Musgraves, Molly Tuttle, Abigail Washburn), the two latest tracks commemorate the first of several chapters of upcoming Golden Shoals single releases, slated for release throughout this year and next. Rich with moving prose, haunting instrumental arrangements, and deeply engaging lyrics, the heavy subject matter of the two singles finds equilibrium in Golden Shoals’ signature cheerful delivery and showcases a continuously evolving band; from the pair’s strictly acoustic old-time roots to their current, more experimental sound.

Golden Shoals’ “Ain’t No New Orleans” and “Treading Water” are available today on all digital streaming platforms. To listen and download, visit lnk.to/treadingwatersingle. To learn more about Golden Shoals, view tour dates, and more, visit goldenshoals.com.

Orange Blossom Revue has announced the lineup for its eighth annual event taking place Friday and Saturday, December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park in central Florida. This year, fans can look forward to a second helping of folk/Americana luminaries The Wood Brothers, who are returning as co-curators of the 2022 event. Hand-selected artists joining The Wood Brothers this December will be headliner Margo Price, with additional appearances by GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Allison Russell, soulful troubadour Langhorne Slim, plus standouts Katie Pruitt, Neal Francis, Son Little, John R. Miller and more. A complete lineup is below.

Conveniently nestled midway between Tampa and Orlando, the intimate community of Lake Wales, FL has long been known as a best-kept secret for culture and outdoor recreation. Its bounty of Spanish moss, palmetto trees, and fragrant citrus groves makes it a choice location for two full days of entertainment and leisure, and the charming grounds of Lake Wailes Park provide a picturesque backdrop for the weekend-long celebration.

Last year, the festival announced the establishment of a new beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit works year round to support community-wide tutoring programs, arts education, and recreation programming in and around Lake Wales. Proceeds from Orange Blossom Revue will encourage future development in the creative sector of central Florida and continue to enrich the lives of its residents. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation.

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, The Orange Blossom Revue continues to shine as a can’t-miss annual destination for locals and visitors alike. The festival will take place on December 2-3, 2022 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with $80 GA and $250 VIP Weekend Passes on sale starting Friday, April 22. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things OBR, visit orangeblossomrevue.com.

Orange Blossom Revue 2022 Lineup
The Wood Brothers
Margo Price
Langhorne Slim
Allison Russell
Neal Francis
Son Little
Katie Pruitt
John R. Miller
Cat Ridgeway
Laney Jones

Nicholas Jamerson has confirmed the release of his 6th studio album, Peace Mountain, arriving May 19, 2023. Today, the Kentucky-based troubadour is proud to share the title track, “Peace Mountain,” written with fellow Kentuckian Don Rogers and performed with West Virginian stalwart Charles Wesley Godwin. Whiskey Riff premiered the single yesterday, stating that “the best country music is coming from the heart of Appalachia right now.”

"Peace Mountain" comes in follow up to Jamerson's recently-released single, "Lexington," which debuted last month to widespread applause. Featuring the haunting vocal stylings of Charles Wesley Godwin, "Peace Mountain" is a poignant ballad inspired by the unique challenges of life in Appalachia.

“I wrote the chorus and melody after a trip to Davis, WV where I passed a road named Peace Mountain,” Jamerson shares.

The song was quickly brought to life when Jamerson brought the concept to Don Rogers — the pair’s respective experiences breathing an air of authenticity into the verses.

Jamerson continues, “[it’s] a song about a family’s immigration to the Appalachian mountains looking for a new way of life that includes hard work, virtue and the occasional nip of communal white lightning.”

“Peace Mountain” is an emblem of the complicated relationship many locals have with the land. Written and performed in collaboration with two of Appalachia’s most zealous songwriters, the track embodies the hardships of family obligations and making the most of few resources. Beyond its disparaging subject matter, the lyrics are quick to point out the hard-won rewards of working off the land. The chorus “Peace Mountain / in the land of Canaan / on Peace Mountain / where I go when the work is done” symbolizes a well-deserved respite from adversity and strife.

Echoing these themes, the album, Peace Mountain, set for release in the spring of 2023, picks up where Jamerson’s last record, The Wild Frontier left off. “The Wild Frontier was about finding faith; whereas Peace Mountain is about practicing faith and making peace with life, trusting that the work has been done, and enjoying the process,” he adds.

Rich with passionate verse and deeply personal storytelling, both the album and its title track crystallize Jamerson as one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation. The single “Peace Mountain” is out today on all digital streaming platforms. To listen and share, visit fanlink.to/peacemountain. To learn more about Nicholas Jamerson, visit www.nicholasjamerson.com.

Peace Mountain Track Listing
Introduction
Bad Imagination
Billy Graham Parkway
Holler Child
Hang On
Lexington
Watching The Fire Burn
I Love Blue (feat. Magnolia Boulevard)
Goin’ World Wide
Wild Nights, Weird Mornings
Strangers
Do You Ever Think of What You Could Do?
Mr. Buzzard
Bad News
This Ain’t Supposed To Happen In Our Town
Kitchen Table Prophecy
Peace Mountain (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin)

Nicholas Jamerson Tour Dates
12/08 - Tidball's - Bowling Green, KY
12/09 - The Burl - Lexington, KY (NJ's Holllerday Gitdown Night 1)
12/10 - The Burl - Lexington, KY - (NJ's Hollerday Gitdown Night 2)
12/14 - 3rd and Lindsley - Nashville, TN
12/15 - Eddie's Attic - Decatur, GA
12/16 - The Woodshop - Chattanooga, TN
01/26 - Pearl Street Warehouse - Washington, DC
04/02 - The Attic - Tampa, FL

Richmond-based folk trio and recently-crowned FloydFest “On the Rise” winners Palmyra have shared the music video for their new single “Medicine,” arriving to digital streaming platforms on Friday, December 2nd. Recorded in a one-room Blue Ridge cabin in Mt. Solon, VA overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, the video is available to view here.

The video for “Medicine” was brought to life just days after the group’s groundbreaking debut at Newport Folk Festival. Having recently achieved widespread recognition for their FloydFest “On the Rise” annual band competition performance, the budding outfit have quickly solidified themselves as a force of nature in the alternative/folk sphere.

Addressing poignant themes of isolation and the toll it can take on mental health, the song was originally written in the wake of the pandemic when the trio – freshly banded and yet to perform live together – was living under quarantine in a small Boston rental home.

“We were all newcomers to [Boston], and feeling incredibly isolated,” shares bassist Mānoa Bell. “Our only creative outlet was writing and arranging; eagerly awaiting a moment to leave our east Boston basement and share the music we had been preparing.”

On the outset, “Medicine” embraces its place as a clever, almost light-hearted folk ballad, though it quickly builds into a crescendo of emotion. Bell adds, “the song's arrangement can be understood in two clear sections in support of the lyrics. The first section, sung by Teddy [Chipouras], is musically unobtrusive and conventional. The next section is a chaotic, pulsing, and a personal description of mental health. With this song, we were pushing our boundaries lyrically and musically as we clung to each other in reaction to the circumstances of our world.”

Employing direct, almost caustic lyrics, the tune brings to life an all-too-relatable inner dialogue. Bell explains, “the lyrics of the song are intentionally direct, portraying a false and ironic sense of confidence as we state our uncomfortable truths.”

Fittingly, having recorded the video in a small cabin not unlike the home in which it was written, the group was able to channel those original feelings of suffocation and uncertainty. Still, the outfit found solace and inspiration in the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley where the trio first met. Weaving the vast landscape and its natural beauty into the subtext of each verse, “Medicine” swells with emotive expression, embodying at once a ballad of lust and nostalgia, while nodding confidently toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Bell concludes, “we feel that this video showcases our unique approach to both our instruments and arrangements, subverting the conventions of acoustic roots music – conventions formed in the Shenandoah valley and the place Palmyra met. The valley showed us the natural beauty that so many traditional tunes praise and we have learned through countless bluegrass jams. However, the valley also introduced us to the wonders of punk music, via a thriving basement scene present in Harrisonburg. We hope that both of those influences shine through on “Medicine” and paint a picture of the place we called home.”

“Medicine” will be available on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, December 2nd. To view the music video, click here. To pre-save “Medicine,” visit palmyra.lnk.to/sillandglade. To stay up-to-date about all things Palmyra, visit www.palmyratheband.com.

Richmond-based folk outfit and 2022 FloydFest “On the Rise” winners Palmyra have announced the release of Sill and Glade Sessions, a trio of the group’s most intimate tunes recorded live in an idyllic Blue Ridge Mountain cabin. Today, RVA Magazine has shared the music video for “Presence” from the newly-released EP. All three tracks, “Medicine,” “Presence,” and “Nothing Sticks” are available on all digital streaming platforms today.

Sill and Glade Sessions came to life under the heat of the Shenandoah Valley sun following Palmyra's debut performance at Newport Folk Festival. The group’s bassist Mānoa Bell recalls, “Our creative energy was at its highest in the peak of that summer.” Having recently triumphed at FloydFest’s coveted “On the Rise” band competition, the trio exhibits a momentum that sees no sign of slowing down.

In the fall of 2022, Palmyra joined alternative rock titans Illiterate Light on a national tour. Now with a new set of tunes in-hand, the group is poised to reach the masses with their thoughtful, provocative songwriting and impassioned performance style.

Drenched in equal parts trepidation and hope, the three songs on Sill and Glade Sessions harmoniously span the full spectrum of human emotion. The opening track, “Nothing Sticks,” muses on the temporary nature of life, in the end trading angst and frustration for gratitude. “Medicine” is a heart-wrenching plea for guidance that brings to light the consequences of isolation, especially in the pandemic age. “Presence” makes a strong case for remaining in the here and now. As each song seamlessly dovetails into the next, the thematic layers take on a whole new meaning.

Bell adds, “The mountains brought us a quiet contemplation that allowed us to showcase our songwriting in a new and exciting way. Elevated by the warmth of our cabin, we hope these tunes encourage listeners to be kind to themselves and let those balled up feelings come and go.”

Sill and Glade Sessions is available on all digital streaming sites today. Click here to listen on your preferred platform. To watch the music video for “Presence,” click here. To stay up-to-date about all things Palmyra, visit www.palmyratheband.com.

Track Listing
Nothing Sticks
Medicine
Presence

Tour Dates
01/25/2023 - The Grandin Theatre - Roanoke, VA

Nicholas Jamerson has shared a new single from his forthcoming album release, Peace Mountain, arriving in full on May 19, 2023. The single, “I Love Blue,” performed with Maggie Noelle of Magnolia Boulevard, is available today on all digital streaming platforms. Yesterday, Holler premiered the track, lauding Jamerson “among an esteemed group of today's artists who have shaped, redefined and expanded the notions of Appalachian and Southern music.”

Arriving on the cusp of winter, the lovelorn duet adds a bluesy interlude to the palate of Peace Mountain, Jamerson’s 6th studio album. Strung together with the achingly expressive vocals of Kentucky based outfit Magnolia Boulevard’s own Maggie Noelle, the ballad encapsulates the ups and downs of relationships with a cold vibrato that lingers like a ghost. The single comes in follow up to the album’s haunting title track, “Peace Mountain”, which debuted last month and features Charles Wesley Godwin on vocals.

Formerly known as half of the Kentucky based duo Sundy Best, Jamerson is regarded as one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation. Over the span of his solo career, the Lexington native has released an expansive discography “that feel like unearthed recordings of secret threads in the history of American folk and roots music” (Holler). As Sundy Best, Jamerson has shared the stage with dozens of acts including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Miller Band, and Chris Stapleton, performed on the coveted Ryman Auditorium stage, been featured on the Grand Ole Opry, and more. Today, Jamerson is proud to announce his inaugural Sleeping in the Woods Songwriter Festival, taking place May 19-20, 2023 in Lake Cumberland, KY on the bucolic property of Hidden Ridge Camping. The family friendly event will feature some of the best regional and national acts in the singer/songwriter and Americana genres, hand selected by Jamerson. A full lineup is to be announced soon, with blind tickets available for purchase in-person at The Burl in Lexington, KY.

Peace Mountain, set for release in the spring of 2023, picks up where Jamerson’s last record, The Wild Frontier left off. “The Wild Frontier was about finding faith; whereas Peace Mountain is about practicing faith and making peace with life, trusting that the work has been done, and enjoying the process,” Jamerson shares. The record is set for release on May 19, 2023. Three tracks from the forthcoming album, “Lexington,” “Peace Mountain,” and “I Love Blue” are available now on all digital streaming platforms. To listen and learn more, visit nicholasjamerson.com.

JP Ruggieri has announced his sophomore studio album, Gradually Descend into Chaos, will be released March 10, 2023. The Nashville-based songwriter and studio musician has collaborated with producer Jano Rix (The Wood Brothers) on this unique, eleven track collection that reckons with heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty. The album’s first single, “Kill a Smile,’ is out today (listen/share). Ruggieri will support the album with an extensive U.K. tour beginning in February.

Gradually Descend into Chaos is Ruggieri’s answer to a tumultuous period of his life that included the dissolution of a long term relationship, a five year long battle with a rare chronic pain condition, and the enduring challenges of the pandemic. Written over the course of this season, the songs on this record emote the kind of radical vulnerability that can only be catalyzed by total calamity.

“These eleven songs mostly came to me during a chaotic period of my life. I then recorded them a few years later when I was becoming obsessed with sound in a way that was completely new to me. Musically, this album represents coming to terms with various situations in my life. Production wise, this album represents a period of sonic exploration. The marriage of those two elements is what Gradually Descend Into Chaos is all about,” shares Ruggieri.

In 2016, Ruggieri was diagnosed with a condition called trigeminal neuralgia, a painful disorder that nearly halted every aspect of his day-to-day life. A five year long battle with the condition included many unsuccessful attempts to alleviate the symptoms, one of which included debilitating nerve pain brought on by any movement of the tongue. Despite these impairments, Ruggieri continued to use music as a source of reconciling with the circumstances he was facing. After finding the right specialist in 2021, Ruggieri underwent a major brain surgery that successfully cured him of the condition, though not long after, he developed Bell’s palsy, costing him 30% of his hearing in his left ear.

Despite this hurdle, Ruggieri channeled his relief into the recording process, allowing for his newfound perspective to drive the production of the record. This exploration is evident on the eleven tracks that make up Gradually Descend into Chaos – each song leaving its own unique musical footprint. Even in its intense tonality, the record feels unhurried, like slowly breaking into a new pair of shoes. It’s as if the process of healing and the process of producing this record have taken on parallel paths.

Ruggieri’s sophomore collection is a confident display of raw honesty, engaging storytelling, and masterful musicianship. Among the album’s highlights are “Kill a Smile,” a contemplative number that glides seamlessly into “Buckets” – a classic post-breakup song that employs sharp choral harmonies and layers of organ that echo sumptuously. The tender “Weeds and Flowers,” narrates the tragic aftermath of a love that’s run dry. “Without the Sun,” written and performed with Oliver Wood, is a melancholy singalong that builds into a spirited crescendo.

The follow up to Ruggieri’s 2019 album, Waiting on You, finds the writer in a completely distinct chapter of his personal and professional life. In its totality, the songs create a relatable journey, offering a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

JP RUGGIERI - GRADUALLY DESCEND INTO CHAOS

Track Listing

1. Kill a Smile

2. Buckets

3. Weeds and Flowers

4. Up by the River

5. Fun Machine

6. The Way I Like It

7. Without the Sun (Feat. Oliver Wood)

8. Can’t Wait

9. Brick Wall

10. Prefer to Lose

11. Carry

Available March 10, 2023

Pre-Order Available HERE

JP RUGGIERI Tour Dates

02/28 - The Tunnels Aberdeen - Aberdeen, Scotland

03/01 - The Voodoo Room - Edinburgh, Scotland

03/02 - Settle Victoria Hall - Settle, UK

03/03 - The Greystones - Sheffield, UK

03/05 - Green Note - London, UK

03/09 - The Louisiana - Bristol, UK

03/10 - The Pump - Trowbridge, UK

03/13 - Temperance - Leamington Spa, UK

03/14 - The Cluny - Newcastle, UK

03/15 - Gullivers - Manchester, UK

03/16 - The Crescent - York, UK

03/17 - Phase One - Liverpool, UK

03/23 - Green Door Store - Brighton, UK

03/24 - Norwich Arts Centre - Norwich, UK

03/25 - The Grace - London, UK

03/26 - Acapela - Cardiff, UK

03/27 - Henry Tudor House - Shrewsbury, UK

03/28 - EBGB’s - Liverpool, UK

03/29 - The Cluny - Newcastle, UK

04/02 - The Workmans Club Cellar - Dublin, IE

Upstate has announced their third studio album, You Only Get a Few, will be released March 31 via Royal Potato Family. The group’s first full length studio release in three years, the forthcoming album sees members Mary Webster, Melanie Glenn, Harry D’Agostino and Dylan McKinstry navigate the peaks and valleys of transition as they embark on a new and exciting season. A wholly honest, deeply engaging collection, You Only Get a Few swells with illustrative verse, winsome arrangements, and poignant motifs that resonate far beyond the ten track listen. The album’s first single, “Befriend” is out today (listen/share). Upstate will support the album with a series of U.S. tour dates beginning in March.

On You Only Get a Few, Upstate paints an intimate portrait that touches on every corner of life. Inspired by the trials and successes the group has seen over the last three years – marriages, babies, funerals, and personal awakenings – the group’s latest opus is as much a personal manifesto as it is a universal offering that brings the larger effects of the pandemic into broader perspective.

“We simply just wanted to make a record because it felt important to capture the moment we found ourselves in,” shares founding member Mary Webster. “We wanted to document and pay homage to the transition itself.”

For close to a decade, Upstate has garnered acclaim for their pure harmonies, effortless arrangements, and tender storytelling. Two previously-released albums, A Remedy (2015), and Healing (2019) showcase the group’s abilities to create thoughtful, dynamic compositions centered on vocals, bass, guitar, horns and percussion. On their forthcoming work, the group’s sonic palette evolves in new and dynamic ways, inviting the wider additions of clarinet, piano, and organ to sit atop a fuller foundation, while also shedding the djembe and saxophone contributions that were prominent on earlier recordings.

You Only Get a Few begins with a long exhale, leading into the lo-fi scratchy-tape opening of “Lovers & Friends” that feels almost archival, as if dusting off something half-forgotten. The song itself is about recognizing the preciousness of friendship, which makes for a fitting introduction to a record that returns Upstate from a collaborative project of colleagues, to an intimate project of friends. The simple and elegant arrangement of “Catalpa” is a song about memory, the seasons and moments of life that aren’t quite solid enough to grip. “Auntie,” written by Webster and McKinstry, serves as a reminder to listen to the advice of others and ourselves.

While much of You Only Get A Few is inspired by the band’s real life experiences, there are also moments of spontaneous fiction, an idea propelled into something tangible. The Harry D’Agostino-penned “Patty’s Diner” is one such instance, as he tells the story from the perspective of a grieving sister, intent on realizing her late-sibling’s dream. It’s the first time bassist D’Agostino has sung an Upstate song, further marking the band’s enthusiasm to try new things. “Befriend,” written by Glenn, showcases Upstate’s ability in textural dynamics, while the organ-driven “Metaxy” – a kind of call-back to the band’s days of playing busy bars, urges movement and clarity among the chaos. It’s a song about apocalyptic hope, the sort that illuminates all things and makes them more visibly what they are.

“Just don’t mistake the middle for the end,” Webster and Glenn sing at the end of “Metaxy” offering one of the album’s core messages. Through both gradual and sudden transformations, the unexpected bends and dips, the band never quite settles. On this third album, Upstate prods and searches, stews and savors, and throughout each transition they let go of as much as they carry. It’s as if there’s a collective breath, and, just as the album begins with an exhale, You Only Get A Few ends with one, too.

UPSTATE - YOU ONLY GET A FEW

Track Listing

1. Lovers & Friends

2. Catalpa

3. Auntie

4. Patty’s Diner

5. Befriend

6. Metaxy

7. Sally

8. I’ll Come Around

9. WYDFL

10. Everything Changes

Available March 31, 2023 via Royal Potato Family

Preorder HERE

UPSTATE 2023 Tour Dates

03/30 - Allston, MA - Brighton Music Hall

03/31 - Northampton, MA - The Parlor Room

04/1 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge

04/2    Woodstock, NY - Colony

04/13 - Baltimore, MD - The 8x10

04/14 - Washington, DC - Pearl Street Warehouse

04/15 - Wayne, PA - 118 North

04/21 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

04/22 - Portland, ME - One Longfellow Square

04/27 - Syracuse, NY - 443 Social Club

04/28 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Iron Works

04/29 - Rochester, NY - Flour City Station

Tickets (On Sale Friday) at: UPSTATELOVESYOU.COM

Time Sawyer is set to release its 7th studio album, Dig a Little Deeper on March 10, 2023. The record explores the human failings that get in the way of finding true connection with one another and forging our authentic path in the world. The first single, “It’s What It Is” is out now (Listen/Share). Time Sawyer will support the album with a series of U.S. tour dates through the spring and summer.

On Dig a Little Deeper, the North Carolina based outfit offers a poignant and well balanced collection that melds their signature alt-country sound and breezy song craft into something wholly unique. Riding the heels of their 2019 release, Mountain Howdy, Dig a Little Deeper does exactly as the title suggests as it addresses important themes about self sabotage, bias, and greed.

“Little Black Cat” opens the listen with a clever tune about how attached we can be to superstition and how those feelings can keep us from seeing beyond our own experiences. Time Sawyer guitarist and songwriter Sam Tayloe shares “four-leaf clovers and throwing salt over our shoulder are crutches that let us keep on thinking the same selfish way, instead of digging to find a more universal truth.”

“Shame” tells the story of a man who chases status and ultimately loses his picture because he’s too worried about the frame. The chorus highlights how we all seem to focus on our differences over the many things that make us alike.

Paying homage to the late Jim Croce is the cover “Speedball Trucker,” which calls to mind some of the same traveling woes and triumphs that Time Sawyer sees as a touring band.

“It’s What It Is” is a driving anthem inspired by the “tough guy” role that Joe Pesci is often known for. As the song moves along, you discover how harmful the mindset of “it’s what it is” can be. “ We like to find common ground between folks (conductors and pilots) but once we feel inferior, they’re our enemy, not someone who was seen as an ally,” adds Tayloe.

“Goodbye Forever, I Guess” is a look at modern dating and examines how quick we can be to write someone off, while “Wealth Of Greed” showcases how difficult it can be to show others how we care.

The finale, “210 (It’s Over)” is a reinvention of a Time Sawyer murder ballad recorded in 2014 after a night in Knoxville, TN. The song was re-recorded to show the evolution of the song as Time Sawyer toured and played it together, and the life that it developed over time. A highlight of the song is Court Wynter’s jazz improvisation on bass, which is an audience favorite at live shows.

Dig a Little Deeper by Time Sawyer will be released to all digital streaming platforms on Friday, March 10, 2023. For more information, visit www.timesawyer.com.

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival will celebrate its 11th annual event at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC on May 12-13, 2023. The festival, which pairs live music with craft beer and community, will welcome North Carolina bluegrass mainstays Steep Canyon Rangers, multi-award winning guitarist Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway, fast-rising Appalachian soul outfit 49 Winchester, rock n’ roll stalwarts SUSTO, Nashville based singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt, and a variety of additional performers to its stage this year. See below for the full lineup.

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 40 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $49.

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Kiely Connell, Kaitlin Butts, and Steep Canyon Rangers are $25. Saturday music-only passes with sets from 49 Winchester, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and more are $35 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews Saturday, tasting tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the early advance price of $49. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV camping with hookups are available. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A children’s ticket is available for kids 5-15 for $10.

Pre-sale passes to NC Brewers and Music Festival are on sale now through Thursday, January 26 with code NCBMF23. Public on-sale begins Friday, January 27. Visit www.ncbrewsmusic.com to purchase passes and to find additional information.

11th Annual NC Brewers and Music Festival Lineup

Steep Canyon Rangers

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

49 Winchester

SUSTO

Lilly Hiatt

Kaitlin Butts

Time Sawyer

Kiely Connell

Paleface

Nickel Creek and Margo Price are among the top tier of what's shaping up to be an eclectic Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion lineup in 2023. The award-winning festival returns to Historic Downtown Bristol, Tenn.-Va. for its 22nd annual event September, 8-10.

Other acts included in the initial lineup announcement include Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Watchhouse, The Mavericks, 49 Winchester, Larkin Poe, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, and Walderado, with more artists to be announced in the spring.

Bristol Rhythm boasts a super-sized lineup each year and offers more than a dozen outdoor stages and indoor venues along State Street, where Tennessee meets Virginia. Established to honor the legacy of producer Ralph Peer's 1927 Bristol Sessions, which gave us the first recordings of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is to roots music what Peer was to country - a tastemaker. Just as the 1927 Bristol Sessions introduced the world to those legendary performers, the festival has a reputation of also catching stars on the rise.

Those seminal recordings that created the "Big Bang" of country music continue to influence a wide range of genres and you'll find a diverse sampling of sounds at Bristol Rhythm - from indie rock and cow punk to Piedmont blues and traditional bluegrass. As more acts are added to the bill in 2023, you may just glimpse a future festival headliner among the middle or lower tiers of the roster.

Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, along with a limited number of VIP packages, are on sale now at BristolRhythm.com.

About Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia is heralded as the birthplace of country music, home to the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings.The award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a celebration of that great legacy and is renowned for its diverse headliners, established touring acts, up-and-coming artists, and some of the Appalachian regions finest music across a wide variety of roots genres. It is also noted for its unique downtown setting along State Street, where Virginia and Tennessee meet to form the twin cities of Bristol. The festival hosts an estimated 45,000 attendees over the course of the 3-day weekend. For more information about Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion visit BristolRhythm.com.

Asheville based Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds are proud to announce the inaugural AVLFest launching August 3-6, 2023. The multi-day music festival experience will take place in the majority of venues throughout the greater Asheville area.

“Asheville has long been recognized for our thriving live music scene. In addition to the unrivaled level of talented performers that call Asheville home, that recognition also stems from the city’s eclectic and outstanding variety of music venues. While continuing to bring world class talent to Asheville, AVLFest will also showcase our city’s formidable venue collective, giving patrons the opportunity to explore our vibrant music scene without breaking the bank.” said AVLFest co-founder Jeff Whitworth.

With a spotlight on Asheville’s diverse music and arts scene, AVLFest will fill area concert halls, clubs, and outdoor venues alike with an exceptional lineup of local, regional, and national talent. Performance showcases are set to take place throughout the week with wristbands granting pass holders entry to 20+ Asheville venues, discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants, as well as presale access and discounts to 3-4 separately ticketed AVLFest stand alone events.

Orange Peel venue manager and co-captain for North and South Carolina for NIVA (National Independent Venue Assoc.) Liz Whalen Tallent shares, “We are excited about the potential of this new festival for Asheville and for our music scene. We have so many amazing venues for a city of our size, so many talented local musicians, and so many dedicated fans who come out and support any given night of the week. Our music community is really unique and special… it deserves to have something like this to further put it on the national map.”

Committed to supporting local community causes, AVLFest is partnering with several Asheville nonprofits including RiverLink, Black Wall Street, Homeward Bound, and Campaign for Southern Equality. In addition to raising awareness for their respective missions, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to benefitting these nonprofits.

Executive Director of Black Wall Street J Hackett shares, “Asheville has such an amazing mixture of people and cultures. AVLFest is an opportunity for us to collectively celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of our community. Black Wall Street is proud to be associated with such an event.”

“Surrounded by some of the world’s most ancient mountains and rivers, Asheville’s creative scene is deeply rooted and ever evolving. This Blue Ridge Mountain town has drawn and nurtured creatives for generations. Music brings community together – and that’s just one of the meaningful reasons Explore Asheville is delighted to support the birth of AVLFest for residents, artists and visitors alike,” added Vic Isley, President & CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

There is no better time to support local venues, artists, and nonprofits. AVLFest offers patrons the chance to experience Asheville’s music, art and culinary attractions while further crystallizing Asheville as a premier travel destination nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Deeply discounted early bird tickets are available exclusively to area residents within a 75 mile radius of Asheville NOW through February 21. The local presale will be followed by a national presale occurring February 22 through March 8th. Prices will increase on March 8th and lineup announcements will begin shortly thereafter. To learn more and get your tickets today, follow along at @AVLFest on Facebook and Instagram and on the web at www.avlfest.com.

About Wicked Weed Brewing

Wicked Weed Brewing is an award-winning brewery based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in December 2012, Wicked Weed currently operates a 50-barrel production brewery, a sour beer production facility and four retail locations; the original Brewpub in the heart of downtown Asheville, the southeast’s first mixed-culture dedicated taproom, the Funkatorium, and the Wicked Weed West taproom. Wicked Weed opened Cultura, a fine dining restaurant in 2019 that was nominated in 2020 by the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant. Most recently, in 2021 Wicked Weed launched their newest endeavor, Vidl Winery, specializing in the production of natural wines. Learn more at: WickedWeedBrewing.com.

About Worthwhile Sounds

Formed in 2015 by Jeff Whitworth, former owner of The Grey Eagle in Asheville NC, Worthwhile Sounds has established a reputation as one of the premier INDEPENDENT talent buying organizations in the Southeastern US. Worthwhile Sounds currently represents AVLFest, The Grey Eagle (Asheville, NC), Bijou Theatre (Knoxville, TN), Asheville Downtown Association (Downtown After 5), New Belgium Brewing AVL, Cold Mountain Festival, and Burial Beer’s Burnpile Harvest Festival.

AVLFest Venues

Salvage Station

Highland Brewing Company

The Outpost

The Orange Peel

The Grey Eagle

Burial Beer’s Forestry Camp

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Asheville Music Hall

Wicked Weed Brewing’s Funkatorium

One World Brewing - West

New Belgium

Jack of the Wood

27 Club

The Odd

Fleetwood’s

Cork and Keg

Alley Cat Social Club

French Broad River Brewery

Great Wild Nowhere

Twenty6 Productions and Buffalo Iron Works have announced the lineup for the 2023 Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival taking place July 14 and 15 in downtown Buffalo, NY. This year’s event will span four stages in Buffalo’s Historic Cobblestone District, with two outdoor stages, an indoor stage at Buffalo Iron Works, and an outdoor experience/kid’s village stage.

Welcoming renowned multi-platinum singer/songwriter Andy Grammer, Vermont-based jam titans Twiddle, blues-rock luminaries Andy Frasco & The U.N., TikTok sensation Cooper Alan and more to this year’s lineup, the 5th annual Cobblestone Live is set to be one of upstate New York’s premier summer events. The diversity defined in this year's curated lineup is represented by national, regional, and Buffalo’s favorite local acts. A complete list of artists is below.

“It has been our favorite two days of the summer for the last five years and this is slated to be our best year yet. Cobblestone Live is one of the greatest representations of Buffalo culture and what it has to offer. It is a family friendly event that highlights the diversity of our community by featuring our best music, crafters, local businesses and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy.” - Grace Vesneske, Festival Co-Director & President

“Cobblestone Live is a true reflection of our city, our neighborhood and our people. It’s diverse, vibrant, unique, resilient and full of life. Spending half a decade building such a beautiful event has been nothing short of spectacular and we are beyond excited to share, what we feel, is the best lineup of artists, local food, craft beverages and artisan vendors to date. Cobblestone Live is a vibe this year and we hope that fans from all over the region decide to spend their weekend with us here in Buffalo.” - Josh Holtzman, Festival Co-Director & CEO

Early Bird Tickets are currently on sale at the following rates and will increase as each tier sells out:

    Two-Day General Access - $90
    Friday General Access - $50
    Saturday General Access - $50
    Two-Day VIP - $250
    Friday VIP - $150
    Saturday VIP - $150

In addition to its eclectic roster of over 20 musical artists, this year’s festival will also feature over 50 local artisan vendors, a chicken wing eating contest presented by Wingnutz, craft beverages, mocktails, immersive activities, local food, and more.

VIP passes include private VIP-only tented areas, a premium bar with craft beverages & mocktails, lounge area under VIP tent, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and snacks, private bathroom access at each VIP tent, a commemorative laminate, tables and chairs for seating options.

You can follow Cobblestone Live on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Following a show-stopping debut in 2022, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will return to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina September 1-3, 2023. Lauded by Music Fest News as “a spectacular weekend,” the newly-minted festival has already gained serious attention for its top notch musical programming, world class amenities, and accessible price point. Today, the festival is proud to announce the lineup for its second annual event, which features performances from some of today’s most established artists, including Americana legend Emmylou Harris, jamgrass titans Greensky Bluegrass, GRAMMY award winning quintet The Infamous Stringdusters, plus Del McCoury Band, Tony Trischka’s Tribute to Earl, Della Mae, and more. Returning to the ESMF stage this year will be festival host and artist-at-large Jerry Douglas, who will appear throughout the weekend alongside longtime collaborators The Earls of Leicester and The Jerry Douglas Band. A complete list of 2023 performers is below.

Established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC, Earl Scruggs Music Festival “has already risen to the top tier of annual music festivals” (Bluegrass Today). WMOT in Nashville adds, “[Scruggs’ family] would have been impressed by this tribute to the most influential bluegrass musician in history.” With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will continue to illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.

Additional programming to be announced at a later date will include a special presentation by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Fine Tuned Project, performances by Junior Appalachian Musicians and PacJAM, and more. The festival will once again take place on the pristine grounds of Tryon International Equestrian Center. Known for its roster of rotating events including world class equestrian competitions, festive holiday celebrations, concerts, and more, the immaculate campus will serve as a quintessential backdrop for the festival, which promises on-site lodging, dining, and comfortable amenities throughout the event weekend.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival kicks off September 1-3, 2023 in Mill Spring, NC. Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of General Admission and VIP packages available. VIP ticket packages include reserved seating in VIP-exclusive indoor and outdoor spaces, exclusive merchandise items, complimentary refreshments, and more. On-site camping, glamping, and cabin rentals are also available for reservation via the festival website.

For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival

WHEN: September 1-3, 2023

WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC)

TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/

FESTIVAL WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com

Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2023 Lineup

Hosted by Jerry Douglas, featuring:

Emmylou Harris

Greensky Bluegrass

The Infamous Stringdusters

Del McCoury Band 

The Earls of Leicester

Tony Trischka’s Tribute to Earl 

The Jerry Douglas Band 

Della Mae 

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper 

Jake Blount 

Darin & Brooke Aldridge

Shawn Camp

Sister Sadie 

Twisted Pine 

I Draw Slow 

Rissi Palmer 

Jon Stickley Trio 

Tray Wellington Band 

Henhouse Prowlers 

The Foreign Landers 

Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth 

Armchair Boogie 

Zoe & Cloyd 

Pretty Little Goat 

Into the Fog

In anticipation of its third studio album, You Only Get a Few, Hudson Valley based folk quartet Upstate has released a new single, “Catalpa,” out today on all digital streaming platforms. Inspired by the refreshing energy of spring, the delicately crafted arrangement calls on the yearning harmonies of Mary Webster and Melanie Glenn to paint a sentimental portrait of life’s most transient moments.

“Spring is such a beautiful but fleeting time of year. The flowers brighten the landscape but they’re gone as quickly as they come,” Glenn tells The Bluegrass Situation. “I wrote ‘Catalpa’ after falling in love with the tall catalpa trees in the Hudson Valley. They stuck out to me because they bloom in June, after the flowers, which I thought would be a lovely musical image.”

Beginning with the backdrop of a cold spring rain, “Catalpa” gracefully captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia – its wistful melody echoing the sensation of longing, while poignant lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures of witnessing the earth return to life after a harsh winter.

Glenn adds, “The chorus came almost as a surprise and carried a much deeper meaning than I had known was there when I was just dwelling on [the trees’] loveliness. The song moves through moods like seasons, from a melancholy quiet spring morning to a warmer summer night, and the brute urgency of the chorus’ reminder that time is unrelenting. Still I think the song finds a reassuring calm in Mother Nature’s ever new promise of spring.”

Reverent of life’s inevitable peaks and valleys, Upstate honors every angle of the human experience on its latest opus. Inspired by the trials and successes the group has seen over the last three years, You Only Get a Few is a testament to the impermanence of everything. Swelling with illustrative verse, winsome arrangements, and poignant motifs, the group’s forthcoming effort is a collection of lilting indie folk – ten songs blossoming from uncertainty and creative collaboration.

You Only Get a Few will be available for streaming across all digital platforms, as well as 180-gram vinyl on Friday, March 31st via Royal Potato Family. Listen to the singles “Befriend” (HERE), “Patty’s Diner” (HERE), “Catalpa” (HERE), and follow along with the band at www.upstatelovesyou.com.

UPSTATE

2023 Tour Dates

03/30 - Allston, MA - Brighton Music Hall

03/31 - Northampton, MA - The Parlor Room

04/1 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge

04/2    Woodstock, NY - Colony

04/13 - Baltimore, MD - The 8x10

04/14 - Washington, DC - Pearl Street Warehouse

04/15 - Wayne, PA - 118 North

04/21 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

04/22 - Portland, ME - One Longfellow Square

04/27 - Syracuse, NY - 443 Social Club

04/28 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Iron Works

04/29 - Rochester, NY - Flour City Station

Tickets on sale now at: UPSTATELOVESYOU.COM

North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort is pleased to announce the return of its annual outdoor concert series this summer. This year, programming will take place on June 10, July 15, and August 12, and will feature The Revivalists with Son Little, Amos Lee with Langhorne Slim, and Grace Potter with Morgan Wade, respectively.

Nestled in the picturesque North Carolina High Country, Beech Mountain Resort is known as one of the region’s premier sites for outdoor recreation. With plenty of opportunities to enjoy mountain biking, fishing, scenic lift rides, yoga, disc golf, and more, attendees are encouraged to make the most of their weekend with quintessential summer activities and on-site dining. To learn more about what Beech Mountain Resort has to offer this summer, visit beechmountainresort.com/summer/.

$55 General Admission and $150 VIP advance tickets to the Beach Mountain Resort Summer Music Series are on sale starting Friday, March 17. VIP pass holders can look forward to early entry into the concert grounds, a premium viewing area in front of the stage, an additional lifted premium viewing area by the VIP tent and VIP bar, access to VIP portable restrooms, and one complimentary drink ticket.

Artist presale opportunities will run Tuesday, March 14 through Thursday, March 16 at midnight. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Beech Mountain, visit beechmountainresort.com.

For sponsor inquiries, contact Talia Freeman ([email protected]) at Beech Mountain Resort.

BEECH MOUNTAIN SUMMER MUSIC SERIES 2022 LINEUP

Sat. June 10 - The Revivalists with Son Little

Sat. July 15 - Amos Lee with Langhorne Slim

Sat. August 12 - Grace Potter with Morgan Wade

WHAT: Beech Mountain Resort Summer Music Series

WHEN: June 10; July 15; August 12, 2023

WHERE: 1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

TICKETS: $55 ADV / $70 DOS (Children 5 and under free)

TICKET PURCHASE LINK: https://www.tixr.com/groups/beechmountainresort

EVENT WEBSITE: beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series/

49 Winchester have announced a fresh batch of summer tour dates in support of the group’s critically acclaimed New West Records debut, Fortune Favors the Bold. Spanning June through September, the forthcoming tour leg includes appearances in major cities such as Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as debut performances at Railbird Music Festival (Lexington, KY), Under the Big Sky Festival (Whitefish, MT) and Born & Raised Music Festival (Pryor, OK) before the group embarks on its first ever European tour as direct support for Luke Combs.

Released in 2022, Fortune Favors the Bold has quickly generated over 40 million global streams and over 17 million global streams for the single “Russell County Line.” The band has also been selected as a Spotify “Hot Country Artist to Watch in 2023” and an Apple Music “Country Riser in 2022.” Fortune Favors the Bold debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top New Artist Chart, #7 on the Billboard Current Country Chart, and #10 on the Billboard Folk Americana Chart as well.

Met with critical acclaim, Rolling Stone called 49 Winchester “Country Music’s Buzziest of Buzz Bands,” and also named the album one of the “25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2022.” Bandcamp named Fortune Favors the Bold one of the “Best Country Records of 2022,” as did No Depression, Holler, PopMatters, Whiskey Riff, WMOT, and more.

49 Winchester have steadily become a must-see live act. The band recently made their London debut at the C2C: Country to Country Music Festival alongside the Zac Brown Band, Midland, and more. They will return to the historic Grand Ole Opry stage for their second appearance and make their Stagecoach debut in April. In September, the band will also return to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, where they have solidified themselves as a fan favorite every year. Please see all dates below.

Formed on Winchester Street in the small mountain town of Castlewood, Virginia (population: 2,045), 49 Winchester started as a group of neighborhood teenage friends set on a calculated DIY path. In 2014 they independently released their eponymous debut, followed by 2018’s The Wind, and 2020’s celebrated III. Reflecting on his early days as a jack-of-all-trades stone mason, where it was about trying to make ends meet in an effort to keep the band rolling along, frontman Gibson can’t help but be grateful for a well-earned notion at the core of the band’s ethos — anything worthwhile in life is built brick-by-brick. “Everything has to be built. And very few people are going to achieve success overnight,” says Gibson. “We didn’t start out as a bunch of hot shot pickers out of Nashville. We started out on the ground floor — very basic songwriting and instrumentation. But we kept working at it, always progressing in what we wanted to do and how we wanted to sound — each song better than the previous one, the show this evening better than last night.”

49 Winchester’s Fortune Favors The Bold is available NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.

49 Winchester Tour Dates:

03/31 - Paramount Center for the Arts - Bristol, TN (SOLD OUT)

04/01 - Paramount Center for the Arts - Bristol, TN (SOLD OUT)

04/05 - Brick Street - Oxford, OH

04/06 - A&R Music Bar - Columbus, OH (SOLD OUT)

04/07 - Thunderbird Music Hall - Pittsburgh, PA (SOLD OUT)

04/14 - Tooney’s Music Venue - McCaysville, GA

04/15 - Helena Amphitheater - Helena, AL

04/18 - Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN

04/20 - Beer City Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

04/21 - Gilley’s at Choctaw Casino - Durant, OK

04/22 - Tulip’s - Ft. Worth, TX

04/25 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ

04/27 - Valley Bar - Phoenix, AZ

04/28 - Museum Club - Flagstaff, AZ

04/30 - Stagecoach - Indio, CA

05/02 - Tumbleroot Taproom - Santa Fe, NM

05/04 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO

05/05 - The Fox - Hays, KS

05/06 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO

05/13 - NC Brewers and Music Festival - Huntersville, NC

05/19 - Katie’s House Country Music Fest - Winchester, VA

05/20 - Lime Kiln Theater - Lexington, VA (SOLD OUT)

05/21 - Dominion RiverRock Festival - Richmond, VA

05/27 - Country Carnival Festival - Worcester, MA

06/01 - Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater - Decatur, IL&

06/03 - Riverbend Festival - Chattanooga, TN

06/04 - Railbird Festival - Lexington, KY

06/09 - Laurel Cove Music Festival - Pineville, KY

06/16 - Wise County Fair - Wise, VA

06/23 - Back Home Festival - New Martinsville. WV

06/24 - Whimmydiddle - Hamilton, OH

07/06 - Wooly’s - Des Moines, IA

07/07 - Fine Line - Minneapolis, MN

07/08 - Joe’s on Weed Street - Chicago, IL

07/11 - Hot Country Nights - Vail, CO

07/13 - Pub Station - Billings

07/15 - Under the Big Sky Festival - Whitefish, MT

07/16 - Under the Big Sky Festival After Party - Whitefish, MT

07/18 - The Rialto Theatre - Bozeman, MT

07/19 - Soundwell - Salt Lake City, UT

07/21 - Night in the Country - Yerington, NV

07/22 - Delfino Farms Concert Series - Camino, CA

07/23 - FairWell Music Festival - Redmond, OR

07/25 - The Outlaw Saloon - Cheyenne, WY

07/26 - The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO

07/28 - Peacemaker Festival - Ft. Smith, AR

08/03 - Rose Music Center at The Heights - Huber Heights, OH^

08/04 - PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH^

08/05 - Ting Pavilion - Charlottesville, VA^

08/18 - Prescott Park Summer Series - Portsmouth, NH

08/19 - Catbird Music Festival - Bethel, NY

09/08 - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion - Bristol TN

09/10 - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion - Bristol, TN

09/13 - Born & Raised Music Festival - Pryor, OK

09/30 - Spektrum - Oslo, NO*

10/01 - Avicii Arena - Stockholm, SE*

10/04 - VEGA Forum - Copenhagen, DK*

10/06 - Barclays Arena - Hamburg, DE*

10/07 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, NL*

10/08 - La Cigale - Paris, FR*

10/10 - The Hall - Zurich, CH*

10/11 - Ancienne Belgique - Brussels, BE*

10/13 - 3 Arena - Dublin, IE*

10/14 - SSE Arena - Belfast, UK*

10/16 - OVO Hydro Arena - Glasgow, UK*

10/17 - AO Arena - Manchester, UK*

10/19 - O2 Arena - London, UK*

10/20 - O2 Arena - London, UK*

10/22 - Lafayette - London, UK

Bold = Just Added

* Supporting Luke Combs

& Supporting Whiskey Myers

^ Supporting Dwight Yoakam & The Mavericks

Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) has announced the remainder of its lineup for the 22nd annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, scheduled for Sept. 8-10 in Historic Downtown Bristol, Va.-Tenn., which includes previously announced headliners Nickel Creek, Margo Price, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Watchhouse, The Mavericks, 49 Winchester, Larkin Poe, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, and Wilderado.

We’re excited to announce the full lineup which includes the additions of Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Sierra Hull, Darrell Scott's Electrifying Band, Daniel Donato, Alison Brown, Jim Lauderdale, Adia Victoria, Oliver Wood Trio, Sons of the East, Illiterate Light, Handmade Moments, TK & The Holy Know Nothings, The Quebe Sisters, and many others. See below for the complete roster:

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion's has a long tradition of female inclusivity within its lineup. Approximately 46% of the acts booked in 2023 are women or include bands with at least one female. In celebration of the groundbreaking women who came before them, festival goers are encouraged to take in the special exhibit "I've Endured: Women in Old-Time Music" on display now through Dec. 31 at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, located steps away from a main entrance into the festival. The exhibit honors the hidden heroines, activists, and commercial success stories of women that have impacted the roots and branches of old-time music, past and present. From iconic musicians like Mother Maybelle and Sara Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Elizabeth Cotten, Lily May Ledford, Hazel Dickens, Etta Baker and Alice Gerrard to torchbearers and innovators Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Martha Spencer and Molly Tuttle, the exhibit was curated by a women-led content team at the museum and will be the first exhibition by the museum designed to travel to other institutions. Tickets to tour the museum and the special exhibit are sold separately. Tour of special exhibit is included in the price of regular museum admission.

In conjunction with the special exhibit, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is partnering with The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail to bring old-time music by the Mustard Cutters, The Loose Strings Band, Ferrum College's Orchestra Appalachia, Whitetop Mountain Band, and Addie Levy to the museum during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Festival wristband required to attend.

Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion are on sale now at BristolRhythm.com. The deadline for food and vendor applications is March 31, 2023, apply through the website.

Today, Prestonsburg, Kentucky, native Nicholas Jamerson announces the forthcoming release of Peace Mountain, his sixth studio album, due for release on May 19. The new single “Billy Graham Parkway,” written by Allun Cormier, is available today on all digital streaming platforms.

The subtle strums of “Billy Graham Parkway” are rooted in hymnlike sobriety, though a certain skepticism builds in this brokenhearted ballad of a hardworking father and ever-faithful mother. Striking homegrown harmonies allow Jamerson to ruminate on the fleeting aspects of life in this tune written by raw talent Allun Cormier (Folk Soul Revival), who passed away just over twelve years ago. Jamerson first met Cormier 18 years ago in Johnson City, TN, at the Blue Plum Festival, and after spending three days together, he returned to Prestonsburg knowing songwriting was what he was meant to do. Meeting Allun made it seem real and possible for him to pursue the dream he’d swept aside to play college football. Jamerson says “Billy Graham Parkway” represents “…those early stages of my career and trying to get back in touch with that time, and also to speak Allun’s name and honor him. His music means a lot to me and many other people from this area. I want to shine a light on him."

His 6th studio album, Peace Mountain, is considered the second part of Jamerson’s most recent LP release, The Wild Frontier, which was shared in April 2020 during the initial onset of COVID-19. “That really broke me in a lot of ways,” says Jamerson, “as far as thinking you know what’s going to happen. So much of my career has been spent building up momentum, creating pressure to maintain that momentum, and dealing with all the different variables that choke the life out of the joy that ultimately led me to make music and records in the first place.” Peace Mountain is Jamerson’s attempt to be as present in the creation process as possible and for that presence to be reflected in the music.

Deeply involved in the Baptist church and choir growing up, Nicholas’ parents divorced when he was 16, sending everything into a spin and driving him from a sports-centric lifestyle into a more reflective and music-focused mindset to process all his questions about his shattered reality. His mom, who pushed him to pursue piano, was a stay-at-home parent, and his dad was a high school track coach and teacher for 30 years. “My dad was very much a coach and still is,” says Nick. “That’s his parenting style, hard-nosed but never overbearing as far as expectations of achievement. Like with track, an individual sport, it’s just you against the clock - you against yourself. That mindset has been useful in life as a musician. It’s you against your vices. What’s keeping you from doing what you want to do? You need discipline because there’s nobody over your shoulder saying you need to do this.”

Jamerson is used to working alone, but Peace Mountain sees the artist extending olive branches, inviting old friends and new collaborators into his creative world, which orbits around his home studio in Prestonsburg, KY, The Mountain Arts Center. Except for “Holler Child,” which was recorded in Nick’s living room around 2018, engineer Brennen Meek captured all the songs from Peace Mountain at the Mountain Arts Center. The songs, which were pulled from old demos stretching as far back as 2010, feature the country, bluegrass, and folk stylings Jamerson grew up hearing in his grandparents’ living room, with explorations into new territory such as the R&B feel of “I Love Blue,” a tune written during the 2020 quarantine and featuring Magnolia Boulevard.

A friend who works at a publishing company in Nashville and leans toward the commercial side was looking for a song for Dierks Bentley and asked Nick to write one. “Hang On” is what he came up with – a bluegrass but distinctly commercial song. He’s trying to be open to all sides of the spectrum and knows there are no rules. It’s easy to get into one way of doing things and not permit yourself to access more range.

Nick took a songwriting class in 2020 built around production done by pop singer Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. Nick’s never considered himself a pop or commercial guy, but it gave him insight into that world. He created demos using sample packs to get more accurate representations of rhythm before he got into the studio. He’d never done pre-production work like that before, but he let some samplings hang on, like in “Watching the Fire Burn.” The sample pack for that tune was called Chipmunk Soul, made famous by Kanye West in his early days. Jamerson is not a Kanye fan, per se, but that’s what art is all about, taking things, sometimes out of context, and bending them your way.

Jamerson wrote the album’s title track through text messages with Don Rogers. The tune was inspired by a road sign he saw in West Virginia, compelling him to invite friend and West Virginian Charles Wesley Godwin to sing on the recording. “Bad Imagination,” another quarantune as Jamerson puts it, has a pop-country tint and was co-written with Adam Landry over Zoom during the pandemic, a huge year of reflection for Nick, while he wrote sauntering sing-a-long “Strangers” with fellow Kentuckian Brit Taylor.

“Wild One” was pulled from his other band, Sundy Best’s catalog, and is the eldest composition on the record at over ten years old, while “This Ain’t Supposed to Happen In Our Town” is the most recently written tune and the first one recorded for the Peace Mountain sessions.

He wrote “This Ain’t Supposed to Happen In Our Town” right after a shooting in Prestonsburg occurred, killing three police officers. He started the first session on the same day and in the same building where the funerals were held. “That certainly created a somber atmosphere to start the recording process. There were police from all over the country at the Mountain Arts Center that day,” says Jamerson. Understandably, he felt conflicted about creating art in the face of tragedy. However, he remembered that art could serve as solace for those struggling to cope.

Nick doesn’t claim to have the answers and will keep digging. Still, he is focusing on his relatively inexpensive life in rural Kentucky and slowed-down tour schedule, balancing his responsibilities with his personal interests and hobbies. Overall, he’s fine-tuning a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

These days, he's very dedicated to being a parent and creating a safe and nurturing environment for his daughter. He wants to create an environment to raise his daughter and feel safe, something that’s real that he can pour himself into and come home to and reap the direct benefits of that hard work. “I’m trying to get into gardening and growing food, working the land around my house and clearing off hillsides, taking wood and sticks from one pile to another. I like grunt work, being outside and moving,” says Jamerson.

His hope for what listeners and fans take away from Peace Mountain is that they can find something in it that they can resonate with and not feel so alone in their journey. It would be awesome if everyone listening to it experienced peace, at least for those 59-odd minutes. He hopes folks can feel the peace that he sowed into it.

Peace Mountain from Nicholas Jamerson will be released digitally and physically on Friday, May 19. To pre-save the record, click here. For more information on Nicholas Jamerson, visit nicholasjamerson.com.

The sixth annual Mempho Music Festival is set return to Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden September 29-October 1 featuring headliners The Black Crowes, My Morning Jacket, and Turnpike Troubadours. Today, organizers are proud to share the full 2023 lineup, which includes Ween, Lake Street Dive, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Band of Horses, Tash Sultana, Dinosaur Jr., and over a dozen other artists covering the gamut of rock, country, blues and soul. View the complete lineup below.

Having played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment today including The Black Keys, Brandi Carlile, Beck, Post Malone, Widespread Panic, The Raconteurs, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Wilco, and more, Mempho Fest continues to assert itself as a can’t miss spectacle for music lovers. Recognized by Billboard Magazine as “one of the premiere Southeast music festivals for Americana, rock and blues music,” the annual celebration attracts upwards of 30,000 patrons per year.

New for 2023, Mempho Fest is pleased to announce the addition of the Overton Park Shell Stage, presenting emerging acts like Aquarian Blood and The Runaway Grooms, as well as a sacred soul revue curated by Memphis-based record label Bible & Tire Recording Co. and featuring Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony. Festival goers can also look forward to the return of silent disco in the eye-catching Incendia Dome, plus non-stop music on the Adams Keegan Stage and secondary stages.

This year, Mempho Fest has once again teamed up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its charitable partner and beneficiary. The Memphis-based treatment facility is a leading resource and support center for families affected by childhood cancer and other illnesses, providing first-rate care to patients regardless of income status.

Early Bird advance price tickets for Mempho Music Festival 2023 were announced in December and are now sold out. Tier 1 three-day General Admission tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased for $170. Tier 2 three-day VIP tickets are now available for $660, with packages including access to a dedicated VIP area; access to a viewing area in front of the main stage; complimentary VIP parking; $100 in Mempho credit to be used on food and beverages or Mempho merch; catered hors d’oeuvres; access to a private bar serving premium craft beer, wine, and cocktails; complimentary water and sodas; air-conditioned restrooms; WiFi and charging stations; and a dedicated VIP entrance. Lexus Suite and VIP patrons will be offered a unique culinary experience presented by Lexus of Memphis and Enjoy A|M Restaurant Group, with Lexus chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman joining forces with acclaimed guest chefs from around the southeast to dish up delicious bites all weekend long. Tickets can be purchased through memphofest.com/tickets or through Front Gate Tickets. Single day tickets will be made available with the announcement of daily lineups closer to the festival date.

As the festival weekend approaches, organizers and their brand partners at Adams Keegan, Lexus, Wiseacre Brewing, Jack Daniel’s, White Claw, Blue Delta Jeans, and more look forward to delivering a signature Mempho experience to newcomers and returning guests alike. For more information, and to stay up-to-date on all things Mempho Fest, visit memphofest.com.

WHAT: Mempho Music Festival
WHEN: Friday, September 29-Sunday, October 1, 2023
WHERE: Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road)
3-DAY TICKETS: $170 GA, $660 VIP
TICKET PURCHASE LINK: memphofest.com/tickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: memphofest.com

Mempho Music Festival 2023 Lineup
The Black Crowes
My Morning Jacket
Turnpike Troubadours
Ween
Lake Street Dive
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Band of Horses
Tash Sultana
Dinosaur Jr.
Lucius
Larkin Poe
Paul Cauthen
The War and Treaty
Devon Gilfillian
Courtney Marie Andrews
Arlo McKinley
Kudzu Kings
Zach Person
Bible & Tire’s Sacred Soul Revue ft. Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony
Sgt. Splendor
Aquarian Blood
The Runaway Grooms
Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage
Lucky 7 Brass Band

AVLFest, Asheville’s newest citywide music festival presented by Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds, will debut this summer featuring Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog, Nikki Lane, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, plus over one hundred more acts. Today, organizers are proud to share a fresh batch of artists joining the inaugural lineup, which includes local and regional favorites such as Chatham County Line, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, and Rebekkah Todd alongside well-established acts like Dylan LeBlanc and Dustbowl Revival. Last month, AVLFest shared its first wave of all-local entertainment, inviting Asheville’s famed River Whyless, Toubab Krewe, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters, Floating Action, Tyler Ramsey, and dozens more to Asheville’s stages. Standouts include the 25th anniversary reunion of The Blue Rags – the first non-bluegrass band signed to a major label out of Asheville, as well as iconic garage-rock-meets-soul outfit The Bellrays. Stay tuned for many more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Spanning over 20 indoor and outdoor music venues across the city, AVLFest is slated to bring non-stop entertainment to area residents and visitors alike from August 3-6. Performance showcases are set to take place throughout the weekend, with wristbands granting pass-holders exclusive entry to all AVLFest official participating venues, as well discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants, plus presale access and discounts to the small number of separately ticket AVLFest standalone headliners. Already confirmed for an appearance at The Outpost on August 3 is North Carolina-bred Americana band Watchhouse, with $20 tickets available exclusively to AVLFest pass-holders while supplies last. Visit avlfest.com/artists to purchase tickets and learn more.

Committed to supporting local community causes, AVLFest has partnered with several area nonprofits including RiverLink, Black Wall Street, Homeward Bound, and Campaign for Southern Equality. In addition to raising awareness for their respective missions, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to benefitting these organizations.

There is no better time to support local venues, artists, and nonprofits. AVLFest offers patrons the chance to experience Asheville’s music, art and culinary attractions while further crystallizing Asheville as a premier travel destination nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

$100 GA and $250 VIP Weekend passes are available now. To learn more about AVLFest, explore the lineup, or purchase passes, visit avlfest.com and follow along at @AVLFest on Facebook and Instagram.

About Wicked Weed Brewing

Wicked Weed Brewing is an award-winning brewery based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in December 2012, Wicked Weed currently operates a 50-barrel production brewery, a sour beer production facility and four retail locations; the original Brewpub in the heart of downtown Asheville, the southeast’s first mixed-culture dedicated taproom, the Funkatorium, and the Wicked Weed West taproom. Wicked Weed opened Cultura, a fine dining restaurant in 2019 that was nominated in 2020 by the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant. Most recently, in 2021 Wicked Weed launched their newest endeavor, Vidl Winery, specializing in the production of natural wines. Learn more at: WickedWeedBrewing.com.

About Worthwhile Sounds

Formed in 2015 by Jeff Whitworth, former owner of The Grey Eagle in Asheville NC, Worthwhile Sounds has established a reputation as one of the premier INDEPENDENT talent buying organizations in the Southeastern US. Worthwhile Sounds currently represents AVLFest, The Grey Eagle (Asheville, NC), Bijou Theatre (Knoxville, TN), Asheville Downtown Association (Downtown After 5), New Belgium Brewing AVL, Cold Mountain Festival, and Burial Beer’s Burnpile Harvest Festival.

AVLFest Venues

Salvage Station

Highland Brewing Company

The Outpost

Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp

The Orange Peel

The Grey Eagle

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Asheville Music Hall

The Funkatorium

One World West

New Belgium Brewing

Jack Of the Wood

27 Club

The Odd

Fleetwood’s

Cork and Keg

Alley Cat

French Broad Brewing

Craft beer enthusiasts, get ready to mark your calendars for the most exciting event of the summer! The Whale Invitational Craft Beer Festival is making its debut in Asheville, North Carolina, to showcase the best beers in the world. The Whale is celebrating its 5th anniversary by throwing an extraordinary party that will undoubtedly live up to their high-caliber reputation. Don’t sleep on this one!

The festival, set for June 3, 2023 at 1:00pm, will take place at The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage (131 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 28803). We are coming together to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of the best breweries of all time. The Whale Invitational will bring together handpicked selection of over 50 breweries from all over the country and beyond.

This year's festival will feature exclusive beers that are rarely found outside of the brewery. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor and appreciate these one-of-a-kind beers, while mingling with fellow beer enthusiasts and the brewers and brewery owners themselves.

There will be over 50 revered breweries in attendance, from local favorites like Zebulon and DSSOLVR to the legendary Cantillon out of Belgium. The Whale is stoked to bring highly sought-after breweries from all over the country, such as Other Half, Jester King, The Veil, Trillium, and 450 North, right here to Asheville.

Along with the insane brewery lineup, The Whale Invitational will also have rad vendors on site, killer live music, puppy hangs and cuddles from our sponsor Mountain Pet Rescue and chill vibes all day long. There will be events you won’t want to miss during the week leading up to the Invitational at both The Whale :: West Asheville and The Whale :: Outpost. They’re keeping a few surprises up their sleeves, so keep your eyes peeled for more details and announcements.

Tickets for The Whale Invitational Craft Beer Festival are limited, so snag yours now! General Admission tickets to The Whale Invitational are $100 and include festival admission from 1-5 pm. VIP tickets are $125 and include festival admission from 12-5 pm, special glassware, Whale bottles, and VIP access to the Whale Lounge. Tickets can be purchased here.

Andrew Ross, co-owner of The Whale says, “Every ounce of effort we've put into organizing this event has been with the goal of making it the best beer festival we’ve ever been to. We're going full-send and can't wait for everyone to experience it.”

"Curating the brewery lineup for this festival has been an absolute blast, and I'm thrilled with the awesome selection we have in store. I have no doubt that beer lovers are in for a treat, and it's going to be a truly unforgettable experience, " adds Jesse Van Note, co-owner of the Whale.

If you’re interested in sponsoring the festival and all the enticing perks that come with it, reach out to The Whale at [email protected].

Full List of Breweries in Attendance

450 North Brewing Co.

AZ Wilderness Brewing Co.

Bellwoods Brewery

Birds Fly South Ale Project

Blue Jacket Brewery

Boneflower Craft Mead Co.

Brasserie de la Senne

Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon

Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen

Brouwerij De Ranke

Casita Brewing Company

Cellarist Beer Project

Charles Town Fermentory

DSSOLVR

Dancing Gnome Brewery

Dream State Brewing

Edmunds Oast Brewing Co.

Eighth State Brewing Co.

Evil Twin NYC

Fantôme Brewery

Fidens Brewing

Finback Brewery

Fonta Flora Brewery

Funk Factory Geuzeria

Funktastic Meads

Good Word Brewing & Public House

Halfway Crooks Beer

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Hop Butcher For the World

Hopfly Brewing Co.

Human Robot Brewery

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

Incendiary Brewing Company

Interboro Spirits & Ales

Jester King

Little Cottage Brewery

Magnanimous Brewing

Mönchshof

Oaklyn Springs Brewery

Orchestrated Minds Brewing

Orpheus Brewing

Other Half Brewing

Prison Pals Brewing Co.

Proflyfk Brewing Project

Resident Culture Brewing

Salud Cervecaria

Schilling Beer Co.

Somewhere Else Br

The Veil Brewing Co.

Tommie Sjef

Trillium Brewing

Tripping Animals Brewing Co.

Two Tides Brewing Co.

Untitled Art

Vitamin Sea Brewing

Weldwerks Brewing Co.

Widowmaker Brewing Co.

Wildflower Brewing & Blending

Xul Beer Co.

Zebulon Artisan Ales

Zillicoah Beer Co.

Taking place at Tryon International Equestrian Center this Labor Day weekend, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will return for year two with an outstanding lineup that includes Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, and dozens of others. Today, the festival has announced an exhaustive schedule of on site activities available to passholders, including yoga, pickleball, horseback riding, and more. Explore a full list of festival entertainment and programming at earlscruggsmusicfest.com/experiences/.

Nestled in the Carolina foothills, Tryon International Equestrian Center offers myriad outdoor recreation opportunities on its 1600 acre property. Home of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, the venue has become a premier destination for athletes of a variety of disciplines, as well as music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its first-class facilities include eight unique restaurants, a full service resort, a golf course, extensive horseback riding trails, a multipurpose gym, and numerous boutique shops. Making full use of these amenities, Scruggs Fest will offer an array of free and separately ticketed activities throughout the event weekend, like a “Bourbon & Bluegrass” tasting hosted by The Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book, a charity golf tournament benefiting Junior Appalachian Musicians, Sunday gospel brunch featuring the music of Darin and Brooke Aldridge, and a “Sips & Strings” painting class.

With offerings for all ages, interests, and experience levels, there is truly something for everyone at Earl Scruggs Music Festival. At the centerpiece of it all will be nonstop entertainment provided by some of today’s most established musical acts – festival host Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Jake Blount, Rissi Palmer, plus newly-added ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, Pete Wernick, The Blue Ridge Girls, and more. See the full lineup, including the latest additions below.

Established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC, Earl Scruggs Music Festival “has already risen to the top tier of annual music festivals” (Bluegrass Today). WMOT in Nashville adds, “[Scruggs’ family] would have been impressed by this tribute to the most influential bluegrass musician in history.” With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will continue to illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.

With just under four months to spare, now is the time to start planning your unique Earl Scruggs Music Festival experience. Visit the festival website at earlscruggsmusicfest.com to explore the schedule, secure lodging, and purchase tickets. General Admission and VIP passes (Weekend and 1-Day) are available now.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival

WHEN: September 1-3, 2023

WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC)

TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/

FESTIVAL WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com 

Beech Mountain Resort, presenting organization of the annual Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series, has announced that it will be expanding its celebrations this year with a bonus weekend of outdoor music taking place July 28-30. Featuring legendary acts, newly-nominated inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Sheryl Crow, southern rock luminaries JJ Grey & Mofro, American rock titans Dawes, iconic jam-rock outfit My Morning Jacket, and more, Beech Mountain’s “Party on the Mountain” weekend will bring three back-to-back concerts to one of North Carolina’s most picturesque venues. Beech Mountain Resort will also play host to The Revivalists (June 10), Amos Lee (July 15), and Grace Potter (August 12) as part of this year’s festivities, with tickets on sale at https://www.tixr.com/groups/beechmountainresort/. Weekend and Single Day passes to the “Party on the Mountain” event will be available to the public on Friday, May 12.

Nestled in the charming North Carolina High Country, Beech Mountain Resort is known as one of the region’s premier sites for outdoor recreation. With plenty of opportunities to enjoy mountain biking, fishing, scenic lift rides, yoga, disc golf, and more, attendees are encouraged to make the most of their weekend with quintessential summer activities and on-site dining. To learn more about what Beech Mountain Resort has to offer this summer, visit beechmountainresort.com/summer/. Explore nearby lodging options at beechmountainlodging.com.

Weekend passes to “Party on the Mountain” are $150 for General Admission and $450 for VIP. Single Day tickets for each respective event are $55 for General Admission and $175 for VIP. Venue and Artist presale opportunities will run Wednesday, March 10 through Friday, May 12 at 12:00 AM. VIP passholders are granted early entry to the concert grounds and food trucks, access to a premium viewing area in front of the stage, as well as to a lifted premium viewing area by the VIP tent and VIP bar, dedicated portable restrooms, and one complimentary drink ticket. To learn more and secure passes, visit beechmountainresort.com.

BEECH MOUNTAIN “PARTY ON THE MOUNTAIN” WEEKEND LINEUP

Fri. July 28 - Sheryl Crow with Southern Avenue

Sat. July 29 - JJ Grey & Mofro and Dawes

Sun. July 30 - My Morning Jacket with Katie Pruitt

BEECH MOUNTAIN SUMMER MUSIC SERIES 2023 LINEUP

Sat. June 10 - The Revivalists with Son Little

Sat. July 15 - Amos Lee with Langhorne Slim

Sat. August 12 - Grace Potter with Morgan Wade

WHAT: Beech Mountain “Party on the Mountain” Weekend

WHEN: July 28-30, 2023

WHERE: 1007 S Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

TICKETS: $150 GA / $450 VIP (Weekend), $55 GA / $175 VIP (Single Day)

ARTIST PRESALE: Wednesday, May 10 at 10:00 AM-Thursday, May 11 at 12:00 AM

VENUE PRESALE: Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 AM-Friday, May 12 at 12:00 AM

TICKET LINK: https://www.tixr.com/groups/beechmountainresort/

EVENT WEBSITE: www.beechmountainresort.com/summer-concert-series/

This fall, five-time GRAMMY winning bassist, songwriter, and author Victor Wooten will treat fans to a soul-filled spectacle with the reunion of The Wooten Brothers. Featuring Joseph (keyboards/vocals), Roy “Futureman” (percussion/vocals), Regi (guitars/vocals) and Victor Wooten (bass/vocals), the star-studded family unit will bring their musical tour-de-force to thirteen cities across the eastern United States with special guests, New Orleans jazz-funk ensemble Rebirth Brass Band.

Lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top 10 Bassists of All Time,” Victor Wooten has captivated audiences for over four decades with his dynamic stage presence and unparalleled technical chops. Wooten’s eclectic repertoire includes collaborations with the likes of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (of which he is a founding member), Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band, India Arie, Keb’ Mo’, and more recently, Cory Wong. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living bassists today, Wooten continues to share his passion for music through numerous modalities. The multidisciplinary artist has authored two books and has mentored thousands of students at his own Center for Music and Nature since the year 2000.

Remarkably accomplished in their own right, each of the Wooten brothers bring a unique flavor to the live experience. Joseph Wooten, also known as the “Hands of Soul,” has been the keyboardist/vocalist for the Steve Miller Band since 1993 and is a renowned composer, arranger, author, and motivational speaker whose collaborations include work with Whitney Houston, George Clinton, and Kenny G. Roy “Futureman” Wooten is also a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and a five-time GRAMMY award winner who is famously known for his trademark inventions the “Drumitar” and the “RoyEI” keyboard. A philosopher, researcher, filmmaker, and educator, Roy’s impressive solo career, symphonic works, and “Black Mozart” projects span the genres of classical, jazz, soul, gospel, and spoken word. Regi Wooten’s signature guitar style of chording, slapping, tapping and virtuosic strumming has earned him world-wide notoriety and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. In recent years, Regi has performed with many artists including the legendary Ginger Baker. Known worldwide as “The Teacha,” Regi currently teaches music in Nashville, TN and has taught many notable musicians.

Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality and expertise to the stage. Playing together since childhood, the formidable group has shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and others. Fans can expect an infectious, colorful, and exuberant production that showcases The Wooten Brothers’ impenetrable creative chemistry. An amalgam of original songs and choice classics, each show offers a one of a kind adventure that defies the bounds of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass.

On the forthcoming tour, Victor shares, “Being in a band with my brothers is the best thing for me. It’s like a family reunion every time we get together to play. They are my teachers and I feel most at home with them.”

This will be the brothers’ first tour together as a band since the untimely death of their saxophone-playing brother Rudy a few years ago. In the forthcoming year, The Wooten Brothers will release their first studio album in several decades.

“The music we are working on at the moment is a collection of new and old. We have songs that were recorded decades ago that have never been heard by anyone. We also have newer music that was recorded over the last year. It will be a nice collection of old and new. With the older music, we want to introduce the world to Rudy, our saxophone playing brother who passed away in 2010. Be prepared to have your mind blown.”

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers tour will commence in Chattanooga, TN on September 28th. For tour dates, tickets, and info, visit victorwooten.com.

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Tour Dates

09/28 - Chattanooga, TN - Barrelhouse^

09/29 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre^

09/30 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse^

10/01 - Asheville, NC - The Outpost^

10/03 - Troy, NY - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall^

10/04 - Philadelphia, PA - Brooklyn Bowl^

10/05 - Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore^

10/06 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live^

10/07 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel^

10/08 - Portland, ME - State Theatre^

10/10 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground^

10/11 - Boston, MA - Citizens House of Blues^

10/12 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - FM Kirby Center^

10/13 - Roanoke, VA - TBA

10/14 - Buffalo, NY - TBA

^With Special Guests Rebirth Brass Band

Nicholas Jamerson, one of Kentucky’s brightest musical voices, has released his highly-anticipated sixth studio album, Peace Mountain, TODAY, May 19, 2023.

Jamerson’s infectious hooks and dynamic stage presence have been the subject of wide acclaim for over a decade. Both in his solo work and with his long standing country project Sundy Best (which Jamerson shares with fellow Kentuckian Kristopher Bentley), the bonafide troubadour shines with indisputable virtuosity.

On his most recent endeavor, Jamerson embraces his deeply Appalachian upbringing, weaving earnest lyrics, sentimental chord progressions and emotive melodies into arrangements that resonate fiercely. At the centerpiece of it all is Jamerson's gutting vocal tenor; raw, yet effortlessly flawless. Outlets like Rolling Stone have regarded Jamerson as "one of the best singers in the genre," while Whiskey Riff, Holler, Saving Country Music, and others have all paid compliments to Jamerson's outstanding songwriting talent.

With Peace Mountain, Jamerson paints an inspiring portrait of the region where he grew up, and where he now raises his young daughter. Infused with personal accounts of his own experiences in navigating life, love, and loss, Jamerson offers a breathtaking interpretation of the hero's journey strung together by hard work, faith, and virtue. Whiskey Riff calls the record “...an incredibly curated collection of Appalachian anthems, entertaining stories, and introspective ballads that weave seamlessly throughout the record with powerful lyricism and diverse instrumentation," while The Amp notes, “This whole record makes you feel good. From the time you hit play, til the final note at the end, the listener is completely captivated by not only the lyrics but the wonderful production." Upon sharing his recent single, “Billy Graham Parkway,” Billboard listed the track among “8 Must-Hear New Country Songs.”

This weekend, Jamerson will commemorate the release of Peace Mountain with the debut of his own Sleeping in the Woods Songwriter Festival in Lake Cumberland, KY. The inaugural event will see performances by Jim Lauderdale, Bella White, Katie Toupin (of Houndmouth) and many more. Weekend and Single Day passes are available at sleepinginthewoodsfestival.com.

To stream and purchase Peace Mountain, visit streamlink.to/peacemountainnicholasjamerson. To learn more about Nicholas Jamerson, view tour dates, and more, visit nicholasjamerson.com.

Peace Mountain Track List

Introduction

Bad Imagination

Billy Graham Parkway

Good Ol’ Fella

Hang On

Lexington

Watching The Fire Burn

I Love Blue (feat. Magnolia Boulevard)

Wild Nights, Weird Mornings

Strangers

Mr. Buzzard

Wild One

This Ain’t Supposed To Happen In Our Town

Peace Mountain (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin)

Nicholas Jamerson Tour Dates

05/19 - Sleeping the Woods Songwriter Festival - Monticello, KY

06/02 - BackCountry Festival - Gardnerville, NV

07/14 - Master Musicians Festival - Somerset, KY

07/19 - Rocking the Docks - Lewes, DE^

07/20 - Drom - New York, NY^

07/21 - Milkboy - Philadelphia, PA^

07/22 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC^

08/18 - Ruins - Dallas, TX*

08/19 - Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe - Galveston, TX*

08/20 - The Azalea House - Center, TX*

08/24 - Abingdon Vineyards - Abingdon, VA

09/09 - The Burl County Fair - Lexington, KY

09/23 - Ross Country Jamboree - Scottsburg, IN

^With The Vegabonds

*With Sam Burchfield

Returning to Lake Wales, FL this winter, Orange Blossom Revue is proud to announce the lineup for its ninth annual festival spanning the weekend of December 1-2, 2023. Hosted by illustrious American roots outfit The Wood Brothers, the intimate celebration of music, community, and nature has quickly grown to become a beloved tradition for residents of central Florida and enthusiastic visitors alike. This year’s marquee includes performances by southern soul-rock icons JJ Grey & Mofro, virtuosic guitar prodigy Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway, distinguished singer-songwriter Brent Cobb, neotraditional country hitmakers Mike and the Moonpies, rising Americana star Kaitlin Butts, and more. View the complete lineup below.

Conveniently nestled midway between Tampa and Orlando, the close-knit community of Lake Wales, FL has long been known as a best-kept secret for culture and outdoor recreation. Its bounty of Spanish moss, palmetto trees, and fragrant citrus groves makes it a choice location for two full days of entertainment and leisure, and the charming grounds of Lake Wailes Park provide a picturesque backdrop for the weekend-long celebration. Wide Open Country has dubbed the festival “an enchanting pre-holiday celebration of song,” while Music Fest News cited OBR’s 2022 event as “another superb outing.”

Each year, a portion of ticket proceeds from Orange Blossom Revue helps to support its nonprofit beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The organization was established in 2021 by festival founders Rusty Ingley and Reid Hardman as a means for promoting arts and culture in Lake Wales year-round. Through its initiatives, Blossom Charitable Foundation has provided significant support to numerous local organizations including Lake Wales Charter Schools, Lake Wales Pram Fleet, Lake Wales Arts Council, Warner University, and others. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation.

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, Orange Blossom Revue continues to shine as a can’t-miss annual destination. The festival will take place December 1-2, 2023 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with VIP and GA Weekend passes on sale starting Thursday, May 25 at 12:00 PM ET. A limited allotment of specially-priced GA Weekend passes are available for purchase at the Lake Wales Arts Council (in person ONLY) to Lake Wales locals. For more information, to explore camping and RV options, and to stay up-to-date on all things OBR, visit orangeblossomrevue.com.

Orange Blossom Revue 2023 Lineup
JJ Grey & Mofro
The Wood Brothers
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Brent Cobb
Mike and the Moonpies
Kaitlin Butts
Harper O’Neill
Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists

Celebrating five years in operation this summer, Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival will return to downtown Buffalo, NY the weekend of July 14-15, featuring performances by Andy Grammar, Twiddle, Andy Frasco & The U.N., Jukebox The Ghost, Cooper Alan, and more. Today, festival organizers Twenty6 Productions and Buffalo Iron Works are proud to announce a partnership with Buffalo-based nonprofit, P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative as the event’s primary beneficiary. Providing financial, practical, and emotional support to families in Western New York facing pediatric cancer, P.U.N.T. operates with collaboration and guidance from community hospital partners to ensure that every dollar raised gets channeled where it is most needed.

P.U.N.T. Executive Director Gwen Mysiak shares, “As a grassroots nonprofit with a critical mission for Western New York families facing the incomprehensible plight of pediatric cancer, we are honored to be the charitable partner of Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival. Their vast array of quality entertainment offerings, combined with the talent and passion of the Cobblestone Live team, will undoubtedly make this two-day festival a highlight of our Buffalo summer and an unforgettable event experience. The fact that it also will lift our cause in the process makes us exceedingly proud and grateful.”

A portion of proceeds from Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival 2023 will support P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative and its numerous initiatives. To learn more about P.U.N.T., visit puntpediatriccancer.org.

With just one month until its fifth annual event, Cobblestone Live has also shared a detailed list of over 50 culinary and craft vendors for those who want to get a head start on their festival planning. Throughout the weekend, passholders can indulge in delicious Middle Eastern street food from Falafel Bar, smokin’ barbecue at Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, refreshing beverages courtesy of Dottie’s Lemonade, mouth watering frozen treats from Big Papa’s Ice Cream, and much more. Other on-site experiences will include a chicken wing eating contest presented by Wingnutz, Hatchets and Hops axe throwing, the Junior Jerry Jam Kid’s Village, The Bird’s Nest aerial arts, and more. Also present will be the Erie County Department of Health, another local nonprofit working to combat the opioid epidemic through the distribution of Narcan and other harm reduction resources at large community events.

In an effort to make Cobblestone Live accessible to as many festival enthusiasts as possible, organizers have introduced several ADA improvements that will be incorporated at this year’s event. Braille fashion company Aille Design (pronounced: eye) will sponsor the ADA initiative for Cobblestone Live. Founder and CEO Alexa Jovanovic and Director of Operations Jake Walsh are working with local members of the disability community to implement a more accessible festival experience. Stay tuned for more information about the ADA accessibility plan and how Cobblestone Live is celebrating inclusion for all.

A celebration of uniquely-Buffalo culture, Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival showcases the magic of an Upstate New York summer through premier entertainment, local artisans, and community building activities. Join the thousands of Buffalonians and eager visitors alike this July 14-15 by purchasing tickets at cobblestonelive.com. GA and VIP Weekend and One-Day passes are on sale now and range from $60-$250. Click here to explore pricing tiers.

Cobblestone Live 2023 Lineup

Andy Grammar

Twiddle

Andy Frasco & The U.N.

Jukebox The Ghost

Cooper Alan

Doom Flamingo

The Beaches

Start Making Sense - Talking Heads Tribute

Lespecial

Eric Hutchinson

Little Stranger

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression

Funktional Flow

Workingman's Dead

Dreamville - Tom Petty Tribute feat: Leroy Townes Band

SE2 Silent Disco

Fernway

Space Junk

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers have expanded their forthcoming tour into November, adding ten new stops to an already jam-packed fall lineup. The group, which features lifelong collaborators and real-life brothers Victor, Joseph, Roy “Futureman,” and Regi Wooten, recently announced its highly anticipated reunion tour commencing in September. Following a nearly two-week run in the southeast with New Orleans jazz-funk titans Rebirth Brass Band, The Wooten Brothers are set to appear in several midwestern markets including St. Louis, Indianapolis, Ann Arbor, Minneapolis, and more. All tour dates are listed below.

Lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top 10 Bassists of All Time,” Victor Wooten has captivated audiences for over four decades with his dynamic stage presence and unparalleled technical chops. Wooten’s eclectic repertoire includes collaborations with the likes of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (of which he is a founding member), Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band, India Arie, Keb’ Mo’, and more recently, Cory Wong. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living bassists today, Wooten continues to share his passion for music through numerous modalities. The multidisciplinary artist has authored two books and has mentored thousands of students at his own Center for Music and Nature since the year 2000.

Remarkably accomplished in their own right, each of the Wooten brothers bring a unique flavor to the live experience. Joseph Wooten, also known as the “Hands of Soul,” has been the keyboardist/vocalist for the Steve Miller Band since 1993 and is a renowned composer, arranger, author, and motivational speaker whose collaborations include work with Whitney Houston, George Clinton, and Kenny G. Roy “Futureman” Wooten is also a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and a five-time GRAMMY award winner who is famously known for his trademark inventions the “Drumitar” and the “RoyEI” keyboard. A philosopher, researcher, filmmaker, and educator, Roy’s impressive solo career, symphonic works, and “Black Mozart” projects span the genres of classical, jazz, soul, gospel, and spoken word. Regi Wooten’s signature guitar style of chording, slapping, tapping and virtuosic strumming has earned him world-wide notoriety and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. In recent years, Regi has performed with many artists including the legendary Ginger Baker. Known worldwide as “The Teacha,” Regi currently teaches music in Nashville, TN and has taught many notable musicians.

Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality and expertise to the stage. Playing together since childhood, the formidable group has shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and others. Fans can expect an infectious, colorful, and exuberant production that showcases The Wooten Brothers’ impenetrable creative chemistry. An amalgam of original songs and choice classics, each show offers a one of a kind adventure that defies the bounds of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass.

On the forthcoming tour, Victor shares, “Being in a band with my brothers is the best thing for me. It’s like a family reunion every time we get together to play. They are my teachers and I feel most at home with them.”

This will be the brothers’ first tour together as a band since the untimely death of their saxophone-playing brother Rudy a few years ago. In the forthcoming year, The Wooten Brothers will release their first studio album in several decades.

“The music we are working on at the moment is a collection of new and old. We have songs that were recorded decades ago that have never been heard by anyone. We also have newer music that was recorded over the last year. It will be a nice collection of old and new. With the older music, we want to introduce the world to Rudy, our saxophone playing brother who passed away in 2010. Be prepared to have your mind blown.”

The forthcoming Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers tour will kick off September 28 in Chattanooga, TN. For tour dates, tickets, and info, visit victorwooten.com.

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Tour Dates

09/28 - Chattanooga, TN - Barrelhouse^

09/29 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre^

09/30 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse^

10/01 - Asheville, NC - The Outpost^

10/03 - Troy, NY - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall^

10/04 - Philadelphia, PA - Brooklyn Bowl^

10/05 - Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore^

10/06 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live^

10/07 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel^

10/08 - Portland, ME - State Theatre^

10/10 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground^

10/11 - Boston, MA - Citizens House of Blues^

10/12 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - FM Kirby Center^

10/13 - Roanoke, VA - TBA

10/14 - Buffalo, NY - TBA

11/01 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall

11/02 - Nashville, TN - Riverside Revival

11/03 - Germantown, TN - Germantown Performing Arts Center

11/04 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue

11/06 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark

11/07 - Cincinnati, OH - Hamilton Memorial Hall

11/08 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre

11/09 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line

11/10 - Evanston, IL - SPACE

11/11 - Elgin, IL - Elgin Community College Arts Center

^With Special Guests Rebirth Brass Band

A Life In Trade, the fifth studio album from Pierce Edens, is due September 15, 2023. Today, the rural North Carolina born-and-raised songwriter and craftsman shares the first single from his forthcoming work – a nostalgic rendition of Sesame Street’s iconic ballad, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” (listen/share). Aptly positioned at the close of the record, the earnest lullaby draws the curtain on Edens’ most soul-baring work to date. The single is available for streaming and purchase today on all digital music platforms.

Edens’ artistic nature spans multiple disciplines. A veteran touring musician, he has alternated seamlessly between a breakneck life on the road and long stints at his idyllic family homestead for the better part of a decade. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all aspects of daily life, Edens embraced solitary living on his multi-acre property, tending religiously to the land before an enthusiastic digital audience. For months on end, Edens would share raw, unprompted videos of solo porch-picking sessions, farm tours, and heartfelt sit-down conversations with his social media fans. Through his relatability, he colored beautifully those things that were difficult to find at the time – a sense of belonging and purpose, humor, and normalcy. Despite the abysmal nature of the time, creative inspiration was in generous supply. The therapeutic act of shepherding his land not only rewarded Edens in harvest, it uncovered a rich garden bed of imagination, sprouting seeds for new song ideas and rogue lyrics that would eventually make up A Life In Trade.

Honoring the magic of collaboration, the title A Life in Trade harkens back to a business deal that Edens made with Mike Savino of the bands Tall Tall Trees and Kishi Bashi. Savino, in search of a carpenter to help him build a recording studio, called on Edens, whom he knew had the skills and experience to bring his vision to life. In lieu of payment, the musicians traded time for time: building for recording; trim for tracking; flooring for mixing; sound proofing for sound making. The byproducts of such an agreement reached further than either one of them could predict.

Fastened with refined vocals and masterful accompaniment, A Life In Trade successfully preserves Edens’ signature rugged sound while also achieving a more intimate disposition than previous albums. Its blue-collar theme is tissued over a striking architecture of raw and relatable love songs – Edens celebrates finding love after “years piling up” in the opening track “The Only Ones;” he laments losing it in the heart-wrenching proclamation “Lovely Bones,” and expresses longing for it in “I Want You.” In “Two Pennies,” Edens alludes to the album's title by declaring, “you can live your life on trade, but in the end we all pay two pennies to the ferryman.” Finally, the album travels outward to timely, universal concepts in its only cover song “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” where Edens makes a poignant note of society’s preoccupation with living on other planets.

Each song and interlude are a testament to the skill of Edens’ longtime bandmate Kevin Reese. Playing guitar and mandolin, Reese conjoins, layers, and expands with poetic breaks and soulful licks that underline his years of stage-sharing with Edens. Savino also appears on bass, banjo, and percussion, providing the full depth of his musical knowledge and innovative application.

Memorializing a unique chapter of uncertainty and estrangement in our global fabric, the 40-minute listen underwrites the beauty and long lasting impact of connection in spite of the hurdles such an era presents. With acceptance and appreciation for the cards dealt before him, Edens offers his contribution to the tapestry of today, sewing heirloom seeds to be enjoyed by future generations.

A Life in Trade will be available for streaming, download, and purchase on September 15, 2023. Listen to the first single, “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” now wherever you hear music. For more information on Pierce Edens, visit pierceedens.com/.

A Life in Trade Track List

The Only Ones

Whisper in the Water

Lovely Bones

Sunbreak

Trouble

Near Misses

I Want You

ATTILAGAKME

Two Pennies

I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon

Pierce Edens Tour Dates

07/01 - Sam Burchfield Rock Hoppin’ Ruckus - Black Mountain, NC

07/14 - Awendaw Green - Awendaw, SC

07/15 - Many Moons Artistry - Newberry, SC

07/22 - Chestnut Orchards Farm - Robbinsville, NC

08/03 - AVLFest - Asheville, NC

08/11 - Arapaho Valley Ranch - Granby, CO

08/12 - Swing Station - Laporte, CO^

08/13 - Cervantes Other Side - Denver, CO^

09/15 - The Grey Eagle - Asheville, NC

09/30 - Pour House - Raleigh, NC

10/05 - FR8yard - Spartanburg, SC

10/06 - Open Chord - Knoxville, TN

10/12 - Purple Onion - Saluda, NC

10/20 - Purple Fiddle - Thomas, WV

10/27 - Edisto Blackwater Boogie - Ridgeville, SC

10/28 - Blue Jay Listening Room - Jax, FL

10/29 - Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA

11/02 - The Room at Cedar Grove - Lewes, DE

^With Left Leg Cruiser

Next month, presenting partners Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds will debut the inaugural AVLFest – a citywide celebration of music and community spanning over 20 stages throughout Asheville. Over TWO HUNDRED ACTS are slated to fill area concert halls, bars, and outdoor stages, including the storied Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog, Nikki Lane, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, local and regional heavyweights Tyler Ramsey, Toubab Krewe, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, and Asheville’s famed ragtime revivalist spectacle The Blue Rags. Today, AVLFest is proud to share its third and final wave of artists, including Asheville-based indie rock sensation Indigo De Souza, whose explosive live shows have enchanted fans since her hometown debut in 2016, virtuosic guitarist and drummer Cedric Burnside – grandson to the late Hill Country Blues guitarist R.L. Burnside – Congolese inspired supergroup Coconut Cake, sixteen year old songwriting prodigy Jake Kohn, award-winning folk artist Willi Carlisle, surf-punk noisemakers Daikaiju, and dozens more. View all lineup additions above.

AVLFest will bring non-stop entertainment to area residents and visitors alike from August 3-6. Performance showcases are set to take place throughout the weekend, with wristbands granting passholders priority entry to all AVLFest official participating venues, as well discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants, plus presale access and discounts to two separately ticket AVLFest standalone events – North Carolina-bred Americana band Watchhouse, performing at The Outpost on August 3rd, and the always-crowd-pleasing rock outfit Kurt Vile & The Violators at Highland Brewing on August 4th. Tickets to the aforementioned bonus events are available to AVLFest passholders now while supplies last, with public on-sale beginning next week. Visit avlfest.com/artists to learn more.

Committed to supporting local community causes, AVLFest has partnered with several area nonprofits including RiverLink, Black Wall Street, Homeward Bound, and Campaign for Southern Equality. In addition to raising awareness for their respective missions, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to benefitting these nonprofits.

There is no better time to support local venues, artists, and nonprofits. AVLFest offers patrons the chance to experience Asheville’s music, art and culinary attractions while further crystallizing Asheville as a premier travel destination nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

$100 GA and $250 VIP Weekend passes are available now. Local patrons who would like to support AVLFest while sparing online ticketing fees can now purchase AVLFest passes in person at The Orange Peel, Harvest Records, Records in the RAD, and The Grey Eagle. To learn more about AVLFest, explore the lineup, or purchase passes online, visit avlfest.com and follow along at @AVLFest on Facebook and Instagram.

About Wicked Weed Brewing

Wicked Weed Brewing is an award-winning brewery based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in December 2012, Wicked Weed currently operates a 50-barrel production brewery, a sour beer production facility and four retail locations; the original Brewpub in the heart of downtown Asheville, the southeast’s first mixed-culture dedicated taproom, the Funkatorium, and the Wicked Weed West taproom. Wicked Weed opened Cultura, a fine dining restaurant in 2019 that was nominated in 2020 by the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant. Most recently, in 2021 Wicked Weed launched their newest endeavor, Vidl Winery, specializing in the production of natural wines. Learn more at: WickedWeedBrewing.com.

About Worthwhile Sounds

Formed in 2015 by Jeff Whitworth, former owner of The Grey Eagle in Asheville NC, Worthwhile Sounds has established a reputation as one of the premier INDEPENDENT talent buying organizations in the Southeastern US. Worthwhile Sounds currently represents AVLFest, The Grey Eagle (Asheville, NC), Bijou Theatre (Knoxville, TN), Asheville Downtown Association (Downtown After 5), New Belgium Brewing AVL, Cold Mountain Festival, and Burial Beer’s Burnpile Harvest Festival.

AVLFest Showcase Venues

Salvage Station

Highland Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing

The Outpost

Burial Beer's Forestry Camp

The Orange Peel

The Grey Eagle

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Asheville Music Hall

The Funkatorium

One World West

The One Stop

French Broad River Brewing

Sovereign Kava

Fleetwood's

Little Jumbo

When he first catapulted onto the Athens, GA music scene as an undergrad in 2018, Elijah Johnston wasn’t sure what to make of his surroundings. A freshly-enrolled music student at the University of Georgia, the burgeoning songwriter sought camaraderie in fellow noise-makers, quickly becoming a staple sideman and collaborator to local groups such as Hotel Fiction and Well Kept. Now with five solo albums to his name, Johnston returns today with “Downtown Living” – a raucous anthem that underscores his complicated sentiment about life in the city. The single is Johnston’s first release with Athens-based music label Strolling Bones Records (an imprint of New West Records) and is available now via all digital streaming platforms.

Sewn together with crackly power chords, a booming kick drum, and Johnston’s urgent vocal display, “Downtown Living” is a refreshingly honest departure from the often romanticized concrete jungle trope. Having written the song in a feverish haze while recovering from COVID-19 and isolating in a friend’s downtown apartment, Johnston channels the anxiety and delirium of those long, lonely days into a blaring manifesto. The result is a bewitching cacophony of sounds that perfectly echo the pandemonium of the streets below. Accompanying the track is a spirited music video featuring grainy, homespun footage of some of Athens’ signature landmarks (watch and share here).

Having grown up in the modest Atlanta suburb of Snellville, Elijah Johnston first cut his teeth in music with no more than an acoustic guitar and an at-home recording rig. When he arrived in Athens, he was easily embraced by a flourishing creative community that encouraged him to pursue his art more seriously. Since then, Johnston has released numerous recordings, both under his own namesake and with several local bands. His enthusiastic live show, imaginative arrangements, and sharp-witted one-liners have earned him a sizable following and a bevy of well-respected collaborators. Recently, Johnston’s ascent into a talent to be reckoned with was solidified by winning the 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year award for his song “Molly Haskell,” from the Day Off LP.

Despite its angsty disposition, “Downtown Living” remains a celebration of the here and now. In Johnston’s case, discomfort is a crucial stimulus for growth. “I’ve lived in worse places all over town,” he sings. “And nothing scares me more than when it feels right.”

“Downtown Living” by Elijah Johnston is available for download and streaming today via Strolling Bones Records. To learn more, visit strollingbonesrecords.com/elijah-johnston.

Elijah Johnston Tour Dates

08/04 - Athens, GA - Buvez

08/05 - Atlanta, GA - 529 Bar

08/26 - Charleston, SC - The Royal American

A Life In Trade, the fifth studio album from Pierce Edens, is due September 15, 2023. Today, Glide Magazine has premiered the second single, “Near Misses,” calling it “a standout track [that] captures Edens’ talent for writing straightforward songs that pack a lyrical punch.” “Near Misses” will be available on all digital streaming platforms this Friday, but fans can get an early listen via Glide Magazine today.

Edens shares, “This song is about not knowing when to call it.” Deeply honest lyrics (“Is it the near misses that are the hardest ones to let go of?” and “Almost finished means it isn’t done”) exemplify candid confessions of a grief-stricken Edens as he reconciles with a deteriorating relationship. With his signature rugged delivery, Edens cultivates a spacious composition, brimming with syncopated guitar chords and sweet melodic interludes that bring a brightness to the heavy subject matter.

Edens’ artistic nature spans multiple disciplines. A veteran touring musician, he has alternated seamlessly between a breakneck life on the road and long stints at his idyllic family homestead for the better part of a decade. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all aspects of daily life, Edens embraced solitary living on his multi-acre property, tending religiously to the land before an enthusiastic digital audience. For months on end, Edens would share raw, unprompted videos of solo porch-picking sessions, farm tours, and heartfelt sit-down conversations with his social media fans. Through his relatability, he colored beautifully those things that were difficult to find at the time – a sense of belonging and purpose, humor, and normalcy. Despite the abysmal nature of the time, creative inspiration was in generous supply. The therapeutic act of shepherding his land not only rewarded Edens in harvest, it uncovered a rich garden bed of imagination, sprouting seeds for new song ideas and rogue lyrics that would eventually make up A Life In Trade.

Honoring the magic of collaboration, the title A Life in Trade harkens back to a business deal that Edens made with Mike Savino of the bands Tall Tall Trees and Kishi Bashi. Savino, in search of a carpenter to help him build a recording studio, called on Edens, whom he knew had the skills and experience to bring his vision to life. In lieu of payment, the musicians traded time for time: building for recording; trim for tracking; flooring for mixing; soundproofing for sound making. The byproducts of such an agreement reached further than either one of them could predict.

Fastened with refined vocals and masterful accompaniment, A Life In Trade successfully preserves Edens’ signature rugged sound while also achieving a more intimate disposition than previous albums. Its blue-collar theme is tissued over a striking architecture of raw and relatable love songs – Edens celebrates finding love after “years piling up” in the opening track “The Only Ones;” he laments losing it in the heart-wrenching proclamation “Lovely Bones,” and expresses longing for it in “I Want You.” In “Two Pennies,” Edens alludes to the title by declaring, “you can live your life on trade, but in the end we all pay two pennies to the ferryman.” Finally, the album travels outward to timely, universal concepts in its only cover song “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” where Edens makes a poignant note of society’s preoccupation with living on other planets.

Each song and interlude are a testament to the skill of Edens’ longtime bandmate Kevin Reese. Playing guitar and mandolin, Reese conjoins, layers, and expands with poetic breaks and soulful licks that underline his years of stage-sharing with Edens. Savino also appears on bass, banjo, and percussion, providing the full depth of his musical knowledge and innovative application.

Memorializing a unique chapter of uncertainty and estrangement in our global fabric, the 40-minute listen underwrites the beauty and long lasting impact of connection in spite of the hurdles such an era presents. With acceptance and appreciation for the cards dealt before him, Edens offers his contribution to the tapestry of today, sewing heirloom seeds to be enjoyed by future generations.

A Life in Trade will be available for streaming, download, and purchase on September 15, 2023. Listen to the new single, “Near Misses,” now via Glide Magazine. For more information on Pierce Edens, visit pierceedens.com.

A Life in Trade Track List

The Only Ones

Whisper in the Water

Lovely Bones

Sunbreak

Trouble

Near Misses

I Want You

ATTILAGAKME

Two Pennies

I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon

Pierce Edens Tour Dates

07/22 - Chestnut Orchards Farm - Robbinsville, NC

08/03 - AVLFest - Asheville, NC

08/11 - Arapaho Valley Ranch - Granby, CO

08/12 - Swing Station - Laporte, CO^

08/13 - Cervantes Other Side - Denver, CO^

09/15 - The Grey Eagle - Asheville, NC

09/30 - Pour House - Raleigh, NC

10/05 - FR8yard - Spartanburg, SC

10/06 - Open Chord - Knoxville, TN

10/12 - Purple Onion - Saluda, NC

10/20 - Purple Fiddle - Thomas, WV

10/27 - Edisto Blackwater Boogie - Ridgeville, SC

10/28 - Blue Jay Listening Room - Jax, FL

10/29 - Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA

11/02 - The Room at Cedar Grove - Lewes, DE

^With Left Leg Cruiser

Returning to Mill Spring, NC this Labor Day Weekend (September 1-3), Earl Scruggs Music Festival looks forward to welcoming Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, and dozens more to the hallowed grounds of Tryon International Equestrian Center. Today, the festival is proud to reveal its full 2023 schedule, which includes a newly-minted lineup of exclusive workshops featuring members of Della Mae, The Earls of Leicester, and others. See above for a day-by-day breakdown.

For many festival attendees, digging deeper into the music makes the experience even more meaningful. Five free festival workshops taking place on the intimate Legends Stage offer fans a chance to hear stories and deep background from top genre stars, as well as some grassroots figures they’ll never forget. A biographer of Earl Scruggs, journalist and musician Thomas Goldsmith has assembled a compelling docket of discussion topics, including “Secrets of Scruggs Style," featuring Tony Trischka, top-rank five-string men Charlie Cushman of The Earls of Leicester, and Pete Wernick, co-founder of Hot Rize; “High Lonesome and Beyond: The Evolution of Bluegrass Songwriting,” accompanied by award-winning songwriter and educator Louisa Branscomb, featuring GRAMMY-winning songwriter Jon Weisberger and Della Mae’s GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and songwriter Celia Woodsmith; plus more. Visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/legends-workshop/ to explore Legends Stage workshops.

Last year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival debuted the first-ever Earl Scruggs Revue tribute set, hosted by award-winning outfit Fireside Collective. Performing the legendary Live at Kansas State album in its entirety, the marathon performance was a hit among both Earl Scruggs archivists and general enthusiasts alike. Presented by The Bluegrass Situation, the 2023 installment will feature Tony Trischka Band & Friends delivering The Earl Scruggs Revue’s 1977 Live! From Austin City Limits recording, alongside festival host and artist-in-residence Jerry Douglas, plus a slew of surprise cameos. The not-to-be-missed event takes place at 3:30 PM Saturday afternoon (September 2) on the Foggy Mountain Stage.

Coming to the palisades of the Blue Ridge Mountains this Labor Day Weekend, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will celebrate a Cleveland County native whose innovative banjo technique transformed the course of American music. Produced in collaboration with the Earl Scruggs Center, WNCW 88.7, and Isothermal Community College, the groundbreaking event supports a two-fold mission to underwrite educational programming and community outreach in Earl’s home region while carrying his legacy into the context of modern culture. Festival goers will see his far-reaching impact on full display, with a legion of his successors representing the very best in bluegrass, old-time, and Americana across three music-filled days.

Weekend and One-Day passes to Earl Scruggs Music Festival are available now, with prices increasing September 1. For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival

WHEN: September 1-3, 2023

WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC)

TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/buy-tickets-2/

FESTIVAL WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com

TaxiCab Verses, a staggering collective of Athens, GA and Ghana based musicians, will re-release its one and only studio LP, Is What You Make It via the New West Records imprint Strolling Bones Records on October 20. Led by Athens’ own Jim Wilson, TaxiCab Verses was first formed in collaboration with Ghanaian outfit Kofi Atentenben and the Warriors over the course of three separate trips to West Africa. The resulting project, which debuted nearly a decade ago, combines traditional Ghanaian instrumentation––djembe, African congos, xylophone, and various bells, rattles and shakers––with a classic American lineup of electric guitar, bass, cello, drums, violin, and even saxophone. Originally released on a small run of 200 homespun CDs, Is What You Make It has remained a quiet phenomenon, though its impact continues to penetrate beyond what Wilson has ever thought imaginable. Today, Strolling Bones Records and TaxiCab Verses have shared a three minute animated video––produced by Lauren Tabak and Chuck Prophet and featuring the real-life voices of both Wilson and New West Records owner George Fontaine, Sr.––which chronicles the astounding story behind the collaboration, and its subsequent major label revival. Watch the video below, and listen to the first single,“Be Wise, Think Twice,” out now on all digital streaming platforms.

A veteran musician, songwriter, and dedicated member of the Athens music community, Wilson first made the trek to Accra, Ghana in 2008 to follow a girl. Inevitably, the relationship faltered, but his fascination with West African music and culture fueled two more back-to-back visits. On his daily excursions, Wilson documented the comically ambiguous sayings he would find on the streets—phrases like “Be Wise,” or “No Jesus No Life,” which adorned the backs of taxicabs. He quickly befriended a bevy of local musicians who welcomed his curiosity and graciously allowed him to record soundbites of their get togethers. In time, Wilson devised the idea to form a makeshift band with his Ghanaian compatriots. Emboldened by the support of his longtime friend, Patterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers), he invited Accra’s Kofi Atentenben and the Warriors to join him in the studio.

“He always had a deep interest in the music of West Africa and although his trip was initially to do field recordings of local musicians there, it soon morphed into an all-encompassing project with Jim taking phrases he saw on the backs of the various taxicabs he rode in, then writing them down and turning them into the basis of a series of songs,” recalls Hood. “The results became the TaxiCab Verses.”

Upon his return to Athens, Wilson introduced the budding project to a number of trusted cohorts. Over several days, they set up shop at the beloved Flicker Theatre & Bar, where nearly 20 people––including Brad Morgan (Drive-By Truckers), John Fernandes (Elephant Six), Matt “Pistol” Stoessal (Faye Webster), and Strolling Bones label mate Jacob Morris––got mic’d up and began to play.

Hood adds, “It all somehow became a beautiful symphony of beats and grooves, creating a bed for Jim’s insightful and elusive lyrics and expressions; all captured so perfectly by Drew Vandenberg, who has since gone on to become one of the most respected and in-demand producers/engineers around.”

When all was said and done, TaxiCab Verses had blossomed into a stunning and colorful mosaic that only continues to ripen. Is What You Make It, the group’s singular studio effort, not only memorializes the unique amalgam of circumstances which led to the unlikely collaboration; it also bridges the gap between two very different, yet distinctly beautiful worlds. An exuberant collection of danceable numbers and emotive instrumental arrangements, Is What You Make It is a one of a kind heirloom; a relic of deep love, respect, and understanding that transcends time and place.

Reflecting on the project, Hood concludes, “So now I’m getting to revisit the finished album all of these years later, and, other than a little sadness at not being able to be there all along, I am so filled with love and pride for what Jim, Drew and all of those amazing musicians from two continents have created. Kudos to George Fontaine and the Strolling Bones Records folks for spotlighting this amazing chapter of Athens music history (and beyond) and finally making this record available for the whole world to hear.”

Is What You Make It from TaxiCab Verses will be available on DSP and vinyl for the first time ever on October 20, 2023. A highly-anticipated reunion show is slated for Athens’ 40 Watt Club on October 7 featuring TaxiCab Verses and contemporary Mandingue outfit Baba Commandant and the Mandigo Band. For tickets and more information, click here.

A Life In Trade, the fifth studio album from Pierce Edens, is due September 15, 2023. Today, the illustrious troubadour is proud to share the official music video for the emotive track “The Only Ones,” (watch/share).

Out now on all digital streaming platforms, Edens describes “The Only Ones” as a song about “the feeling of excitement and possibility, and also about what holds us back.” Having written the lyrics on a late night drive while on tour, the dynamic arrangement captures the bittersweet sentiment of uncertainty, anticipation, and a touch of necessary discomfort. The accompanying music video was shot in Edens’ quaint hometown of Hot Springs, NC, along with 50+ local community members who eagerly contributed as volunteers and extras. In fact, the entire budget for the video project was crowdfunded in connection with the forthcoming album release, and executed on a shoestring. Among other DIY endeavors, the costumes were homemade by the band, while 7 local businesses donated their spaces over the course of two full days. Edens adds “we ended up shooting so much footage, we are currently scoring a full length story version of this video with samples and edits from other songs on the album to be released to fans later on.”

Edens’ artistic nature spans multiple disciplines. A veteran touring musician, he has alternated seamlessly between a breakneck life on the road and long stints at his idyllic family homestead for the better part of a decade. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all aspects of daily life, Edens embraced solitary living on his multi-acre property, tending religiously to the land before an enthusiastic digital audience. For months on end, Edens would share raw, unprompted videos of solo porch-picking sessions, farm tours, and heartfelt sit-down conversations with his social media fans. Through his relatability, he colored beautifully those things that were difficult to find at the time – a sense of belonging and purpose, humor, and normalcy. Despite the abysmal nature of the time, creative inspiration was in generous supply. The therapeutic act of shepherding his land not only rewarded Edens in harvest, it uncovered a rich garden bed of imagination, sprouting seeds for new song ideas and rogue lyrics that would eventually make up A Life In Trade.

Honoring the magic of collaboration, the title A Life in Trade harkens back to a business deal that Edens made with Mike Savino of the bands Tall Tall Trees and Kishi Bashi. Savino, in search of a carpenter to help him build a recording studio, called on Edens, whom he knew had the skills and experience to bring his vision to life. In lieu of payment, the musicians traded time for time: building for recording; trim for tracking; flooring for mixing; soundproofing for sound making. The byproducts of such an agreement reached further than either one of them could predict.

Fastened with refined vocals and masterful accompaniment, A Life In Trade successfully preserves Edens’ signature rugged sound while also achieving a more intimate disposition than previous albums. Its blue-collar theme is tissued over a striking architecture of raw and relatable love songs – Edens celebrates finding love after “years piling up” in the opening track “The Only Ones;” he laments losing it in the heart-wrenching proclamation “Lovely Bones,” and expresses longing for it in “I Want You.” In “Two Pennies,” Edens alludes to the title by declaring, “you can live your life on trade, but in the end we all pay two pennies to the ferryman.” Finally, the album travels outward to timely, universal concepts in its only cover song “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon,” where Edens makes a poignant note of society’s preoccupation with living on other planets.

Each song and interlude are a testament to the skill of Edens’ longtime bandmate Kevin Reese. Playing guitar and mandolin, Reese conjoins, layers, and expands with poetic breaks and soulful licks that underline his years of stage-sharing with Edens. Savino also appears on bass, banjo, and percussion, providing the full depth of his musical knowledge and innovative application.

A Life in Trade Track List

The Only Ones

Whisper in the Water

Lovely Bones

Sunbreak

Trouble

Near Misses

I Want You

ATTILAGAKME

Two Pennies

I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon

Pierce Edens Tour Dates

09/15 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle

09/16 - Nashville, TN - The Basement

09/22 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre

09/28 - Roanoke, VA - Martin's Downtown

09/30 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House

10/06 - Knoxville, TN - Open Chord

10/07 - Chattanooga, TN - Redbud

10/14 - Greenville, SC - Fall for Greenville

10/20 - Thomas, WV - The Purple Fiddle

10/25 - Decatur, GA - Eddie's Attic

10/27 - Edisto, SC - Edisto Blackwater Boogie

10/28 - Jacksonville, FL - Blue Jay Listening Room

Memorializing a unique chapter of uncertainty and estrangement in our global fabric, the 40-minute listen underwrites the beauty and long lasting impact of connection in spite of the hurdles such an era presents. With acceptance and appreciation for the cards dealt before him, Edens offers his contribution to the tapestry of today, sewing heirloom seeds to be enjoyed by future generations.

A Life in Trade will be available for streaming, download, and purchase on September 15, 2023. For more information on Pierce Edens, visit pierceedens.com/.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival treated bluegrass fans to an unforgettable musical experience this weekend at Tryon International Equestrian Center, delivering an explosion of show-stopping performances across three days. Returning to Mill Spring, NC for the second time ever, Scruggs Fest more than doubled in attendance from its inaugural year, bringing world-class entertainment, thought-provoking workshops, and countless on-site experiences including horseback riding, bourbon tasting, golf, and more to Earl’s home region.

Gates opened bright and early on Friday morning, as guests were greeted to a bustling Foggy Mountain stage where performers from the Blue Ridge Heritage Area Fine Tuned Project kicked off a day of nonstop music from The Wilder Flower, ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, Pretty Little Goat, Jake Blount, Shawn Camp of The Earls of Leicester, and more. On the Flint Hill stage, banjo masters Tony Trischka, Charlie Cushman, Rob McCoury, Gena Britt, Ben Wright, and Pete Wernick (AKA “Dr. Banjo”) delivered a blazing superjam before GRAMMY-nominated female five-piece Sister Sadie dazzled the crowd with their powerhouse vocals and first-rate picking. Later, The Earls of Leicester carried out a rollicking set of Scruggs standards and bluegrass singalongs, setting the scene for the honorable Del McCoury to take the stage. The Infamous Stringdusters closed out the night with a smashing collection of jam-grass anthems and toe-tapping numbers, including fan favorite “Fork in the Road,” as well as a spirited cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Scarlet Begonias,” where festival host and artist-in-residence Jerry Douglas sat in on the dobro.

Saturday saw an abundance of young talent with the PacJAM Ramblers and The Biscuit Eaters taking to the Foggy Mountain stage. The two awe-inspiring youth outfits are just a small example of torch-bearers who make up the next generation of traditional music. In the afternoon, the indelible Tony Trischka brought the heat on the Flint Hill stage with his “Tribute to Earl” set while Tray Wellington Band captivated the audience with his dynamic fusion of banjo-forward folk and roots, even employing a bluegrass cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness.” By mid-afternoon, the Foggy Mountain stage was overflowing with eager fans as they anxiously awaited the resurrection of Earl Scruggs Revue, presented by The Bluegrass Situation. Back by popular demand, the hour-long celebration featured house band Tony Trischka Band & Friends and a potpourri of special guests including Paul Hoffman and Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass, Pete Wernick, members of Twisted Pine and Della Mae, Michael Cleveland, Jerry Douglas, and more performing Earl Scruggs Revue’s 1977 Live! From Austin City Limits album in its entirety. Returning to the festival for a second time, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and Jon Stickley Trio performed mind blowing back-to-back sets ahead of GRAMMY-nominated all female string band Della Mae, who commanded the main stage with choice picks from their original catalog, as well as an exquisite cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s powerful protest anthem, “Ohio.” Arriving all the way from Ireland, renowned acoustic-roots ensemble I Draw Slow burned down the house with a well rounded variety of excitable fiddle tunes and poignant ballads before jam-grass titans Greensky Bluegrass closed down the main stage with a staggering set that included signature tracks “Past My Prime” and “Time > Breathe Reprise >” before jumping into an emotional cover of the late Jimmy Buffett’s “Come Monday.”

On Sunday, Darin & Brooke Aldridge transported festival goers to “church” with their moving Gospel Brunch set before Rissi Palmer brought her soulful sensibilities to an enthusiastic afternoon crowd. Later, award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper blessed the Flint Hill stage with unbelievable virtuosity; Jerry Douglas Band delivered a marathon of inventive arrangements; and Reedy River String Band brought a foot-stompin’ good time to the Foggy Mountain stage. Closing out the main stage was none other than American legend, Emmylou Harris, performing a moving collection of classics like “Pancho and Lefty” and an a cappella rendition of “Calling My Children Home” before welcoming all Scruggs Fest performers for a singalong of Scruggs standards, “My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains,” and “Foggy Mountain Top.” Rounding out the weekend were memorable sit-ins by Michael Cleveland, who joined Greensky Bluegrass, Della Mae, Tony Trischka, and more during their sets; The Biscuit Eaters, who jammed with Jerry Douglas Band at their main stage performance; and of course, festival host Jerry Douglas, whose unrivaled dobro chops paid complement to nearly every performance that took place throughout the festival.

Besides the excellent lineup of music, festival attendees also enjoyed workshops, panel discussions, and interactive jam sessions on the Legends Workshop stage. Highlights included “Secrets of Scruggs Style,” hosted by Tony Trischka, “Earl Scruggs: Music Man from the Piedmont,” featuring personal anecdotes from Earl’s nephew, J.T. Scruggs, and a Wernick method jam class, hosted by “Dr. Banjo" himself, Pete Wernick.

Held annually on the immaculate campus of Tryon International Equestrian Center, Earl Scruggs Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. Boasting a variety of on-site shops and restaurants, lodging opportunities, and comfortable amenities, Tryon International serves as the perfect homebase for this celebration of Earl’s life and legacy. All sights are set on the festival’s return, coming the weekend of August 30-September 1, 2024. Early Bird passes and Three Bedroom Cabin reservations on sale now – secure your spot today, and be among the first to support Scruggs Fest beneficiaries Earl Scruggs Center, WNCW 88.7, and Isothermal Community College for another year.

Purchase 2024 Tickets Here!

Next month, two-time GRAMMY-nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds will reassemble his breakthrough electric power trio, TR3, for a series of southeastern U.S. tour dates. Featuring Mick Vaughn on bass and vocals, Dan Martier on drums and vocals, and led by prolific guitarist and songwriter Tim Reynolds, fans can expect a melodic spectacle that fuses traditional funk, jazz, and rock varieties with innovative arrangements that defy classification. Commencing in Raleigh, NC on October 5, TR3 will bring its musical tour-de-force to such venues as Woodlands Tavern in Columbus, OH, Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC, and more.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Tim Reynolds is best known for his seemingly effortless guitar virtuosity, masterful command of melody and timing, and uncanny improvisational prowess. Proficient in a vast range of musical styles and techniques, Reynolds’ inimitable talent is evidenced in his extensive repertoire, which includes a long-standing tenure as lead guitarist in American jam-rock outfit Dave Matthews Band, plus a slew of namesake ventures. Founded in the mid-1980s, TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds has released numerous critically-acclaimed studio albums and fan-cherished live recordings, amassing a dedicated following from all over the world.

Technically brilliant, yet emotionally honest, Reynolds’ music is inspired, authentic, and unparalleled. Bringing his thoughtful musicianship, spellbinding orchestration, and earnest delivery to every stage he meets, Tim Reynolds is widely regarded as one of the most profound and accomplished musicians on the circuit. Find TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds in a city near you this fall. Tickets and more information are available at timreynolds.com/tour.

TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds Tour Dates

10/05 - Bowstring Brewyard - Raleigh, NC

10/06 - The Tin Pan - Richmond, VA

10/07 - Schoolhouse Event Venue - Rescue, VA

10/08 - Clementine Cafe - Harrisonburg, VA

10/11 - Woodlands Tavern - Columbus, OH

10/12 - The Ludlow Garage - Cincinnati, OH

10/13 - The Forum - Hazard, KY

10/14 - Muddy Creek Music Hall - Sparta, NC

10/15 - Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

The sixth annual Mempho Music Festival jumps into action September 29-October 1, bringing first-rate entertainment, mouth-watering food, and plenty of soul to Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden. Leading this year’s lineup are The Black Crowes, My Morning Jacket, and Turnpike Troubadours, with additional performances by Ween, Lake Street Dive, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Band of Horses, Tash Sultana, Dinosaur Jr., and more, with daily schedules out now.

Having played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment today including The Black Keys, Brandi Carlile, Beck, Post Malone, Widespread Panic, The Raconteurs, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Wilco, and more, Mempho Fest continues to assert itself as a can’t miss spectacle for music lovers. Recognized by Billboard Magazine as “one of the premiere Southeast music festivals for Americana, rock and blues music,” the annual celebration attracts upwards of 30,000 patrons per year.

New for 2023, Mempho Fest is pleased to announce the addition of the Overton Park Shell On Wheels Stage, presenting emerging acts like Aquarian Blood and The Runaway Grooms, as well as a sacred soul revue curated by Memphis-based record label Bible & Tire Recording Co. and featuring Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony. Festival goers can also look forward to the return of silent disco in the eye-catching Incendia Dome. Explore the DJ lineup here. Additional performances will be taking place on the Adams Keegan main stage and the ZYN stage all weekend long.

This year, Mempho Fest has once again teamed up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its charitable partner and beneficiary. The Memphis-based treatment facility is a leading resource and support center for families affected by childhood cancer and other illnesses, providing first-rate care to patients regardless of income status. Mempho Fest attendees can support the organization through this year’s on-site auction, which includes a one-of-a-kind photo exhibition featuring some of the most memorable Mempho moments since its inaugural event in 2017.

Mempho Fest is also proud to announce that Memphis culinary masters Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman––known for acclaimed restaurants Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog & Hominy, and Bishop––as well as top chefs from New Orleans, Charleston, and Birmingham will bring their incredible chops to Mempho’s VIP area and Lexus Suites, cooking up unforgettable dishes over a live fire all weekend long. See the complete Lexus Live Fire lineup below.

Additional vendors (accessible to all patrons) will include crowd-favorites like Cosmic Charlie’s Grateful Grill, MemPops, Copper Kitchen, and more, as well as local and nationally-touted beer and liquor brands like Bols, Wiseacre, and Jack Daniel’s. View all on-site food and drink offerings here.

As the festival weekend quickly approaches, organizers look forward to delivering a signature Mempho experience to newcomers and returning guests alike. For more information, and to start planning your Mempho Fest weekend, visit memphofest.com or download the Mempho Fest app, available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Lexus Live Fire Chef Lineup

Friday, September 29:

Ryan Prewitt (Pêche Seafood)

Stephen Stryjewski (Cochon Restaurant)

Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman (Catherine & Mary’s)

Saturday, September 30:

Rob McDaniel (Helen)

Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman (Hog & Hominy)

Sunday, October 1:

Jonathan Banta, Taylor Garrigan, Aaron Siegel (Home Team BBQ)

Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman (Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen)

Mempho Music Festival 2023 Lineup

The Black Crowes

My Morning Jacket

Turnpike Troubadours

Ween

Lake Street Dive

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

Band of Horses

Tash Sultana

Dinosaur Jr.

Lucius

Larkin Poe

Paul Cauthen

The War and Treaty

Devon Gilfillian

Billy Allen & The Pollies

Kudzu Kings

Courtney Marie Andrews

Sgt. Splendor

The Runaway Grooms

Aquarian Blood

Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage

Bible & Tire’s Sacred Soul Revue ft. Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony

Lucky 7 Brass Band

Illustrious family outfit The Wooten Brothers are poised to reassemble for an extensive musical voyage, bringing their larger-than-life funk and soul-driven production to dozens of cities across much of the continental United States. The highly anticipated reunion tour commences today in Chattanooga, where the group will debut the titular single from their forthcoming studio album, Sweat, due for release in 2024. Watch the music video for “Sweat” below and enjoy an early listen of the highly danceable number before its arrival on digital streaming platforms tomorrow.

The Wooten Brothers’ star-studded lineup features five-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, songwriter, and author Victor Wooten alongside Joseph (keyboards/vocals), Roy “Futureman” (percussion/vocals), and Regi (guitars/vocals) Wooten in their most perceptive, harmonious, and dynamic form. Widely regarded as one of the most decorated collaborative ensembles in recent history, The Wooten Brothers have fortified their own breed of high-octane sonic expression that is as distinct and inimitable as it is approachable. Making their way through the southeast this fall, the spectacular Wootens have announced a string of West Coast tour dates, with appearances in Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and many more confirmed in January. See below for a list of all upcoming tour dates.

Lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top 10 Bassists of All Time,” Victor Wooten has captivated audiences for over four decades with his dynamic stage presence and unparalleled technical chops. Wooten’s eclectic repertoire includes collaborations with the likes of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (of which he is a founding member), Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band, India Arie, Keb’ Mo’, and more recently, Cory Wong. Hailed as one of the greatest living bassists today, Wooten continues to share his passion for music through numerous modalities. The multidisciplinary artist has authored two books and has mentored thousands of students at his own Center for Music and Nature since the year 2000.

Remarkably accomplished in their own right, each of the Wooten brothers bring a unique flavor to the live experience. Joseph Wooten, also known as the “Hands of Soul,” has been the keyboardist/vocalist for the Steve Miller Band since 1993 and is a renowned composer, arranger, author, and motivational speaker whose collaborations include work with Whitney Houston and George Clinton. Roy “Futureman” Wooten is also a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and a five-time GRAMMY award winner who is famously known for his trademark inventions the “Drumitar” and the “RoyEI” keyboard. A philosopher, researcher, filmmaker, and educator, Roy’s impressive solo career, symphonic works, and “Black Mozart” projects span the genres of classical, jazz, soul, gospel, and spoken word. Regi Wooten’s signature guitar style of chording, slapping, tapping and virtuosic strumming has earned him worldwide notoriety and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. In recent years, Regi has performed with many artists including the legendary Ginger Baker. Known worldwide as “The Teacha,” Regi currently teaches music in Nashville, TN and has taught many notable musicians.

Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality and expertise to the stage. Playing together since childhood, the formidable group has shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and others. Fans can expect an infectious, colorful, and exuberant production that showcases The Wooten Brothers’ impenetrable creative chemistry. An amalgam of original songs and choice classics, each show offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that defies the bounds of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass.

On the new single and forthcoming full length record, Victor shares, “In the mid-80s, we released an album for Arista Records under the name The Wootens; but that record sounded more like the producer than it did us. For the first time since then, we are releasing an album that is totally us brothers. Get ready to SWEAT!”

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers will celebrate the release of “Sweat” at The Barrelhouse in Chattanooga tonight. For tickets, tour dates, and more information, visit thewootenbrothers.com/

Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Tour Dates

09/28 - Chattanooga, TN - The Barrelhouse Ballroom^

09/29 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre^

09/30 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse^

10/01 - Asheville, NC - The Outpost^

10/03 - Troy, NY - Troy Savings Bank Music Hall^

10/04 - Philadelphia, PA - Brooklyn Bowl^

10/05 - Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore^

10/06 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live^

10/07 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel^

10/08 - Portland, ME - State Theatre^

10/10 - South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground^

10/11 - Boston, MA - Citizens House of Blues^

10/12 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - FM Kirby Center^

10/13 - Roanoke, VA - Jefferson Center

10/14 - Buffalo, NY - CMC International Jazz Festival

11/01 - Saint Louis, MO - Delmar Hall

11/02 - Nashville, TN - Riverside Revival

11/03 - Germantown, TN - GPAC

11/04 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue

11/06 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark

11/07 - Cincinnati, OH - Hamilton Memorial Hall

11/08 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre

11/09 - Minneapolis, MN - Fine Line

11/10 - Evanston, IL - SPACE

11/11 - Elgin, IL - ECC Arts Center

01/11 - Denver, CO - Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

01/12 - Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room

01/13 - Hamilton, MT - Bitterroot Performing Arts Council

01/14 - Bozeman, MT - The Elm

01/16 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile

01/17 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall

01/18 - Eugene, OR - The John G. Shedd Institute For The Arts

01/19 - Chico, CA - The Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery

01/20 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre

01/21 - Santa Cruz, CA - Rio Theatre

01/23 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern

01/25 - West Hollywood, CA - Troubadour

^With Special Guests Rebirth Brass Band

This weekend, Mempho Music Festival delivered a winning combination of world-class entertainment, innovative culinary activations, and bonafide Memphis soul in celebration of its 2023 event. Held annually at Radians Amphitheater on the idyllic grounds of Memphis Botanic Gardens, Mempho Fest continues to demonstrate itself as a premier destination for live music, welcoming over 20,000 attendees across three awe-inspiring days.

Among the festival’s many standout moments were Friday closers The Black Crowes, who brought the heat to an already-sizzling Adam Keagan main stage on Friday evening. The southern rock titans treated fans to choice hits from their expansive catalog including “Twice as Hard,” “Sting Me,” and “Gone,” as well as the group’s famed rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.” Earlier, female-fronted powerhouses Lucius and Larkin Poe livened up the afternoon crowd; local favorite Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage inaugurated the newly-minted Overton Park Shell On Wheels stage; Zach Person flaunted sultry vocals and blues-tinged guitar chops; and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead brought the house down with beloved jamband classics.

Saturday was topped off by a nearly two hour set from My Morning Jacket, whose staggering medley of rock, roots, and psychedelic anthems made for an unforgettable nightcap. The Louisville based outfit was joined by Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr’s J Mascis, who sat in for the tracks “Wonderful the Way I Feel” and “One Big Holiday,” respectively. Bridwell also joined Dinosaur Jr on the main stage before reemerging in the evening with his own Band of Horses. Other highlights included Courtney Marie Andrews, whose captivating presence kicked the Zyn stage off on a powerful note, and Paul Cauthen’s high-octane and infectious blend of funk and country.

Mempho Fest dedicated its third and final day to the soul, gospel, and blues greats that have established its home of Memphis, Tennessee as the most legendary music city on earth. Among the outstanding lineup were Dedicated Men of Zion and Faith & Harmony, who took up residence on the Shell on Wheels stage all afternoon; electrifying ensemble Billy Allen & The Pollies, critically acclaimed duo The War and Treaty, the always-endearing Devon Gilfillian, and soul-pop maestros Lake Street Dive, who even broke out a cover of The Pointer Sisters’ toe-tapping number, “Automatic.” Red dirt country crooners Turnpike Troubadours topped the night with a smoldering grande finale, featuring prime cuts from their long-awaited release, A Cat in the Rain, plus crowd-pleasing singalongs like “Long Hot Summer Day” and “Pay No Rent.”

Closing the curtains on another slam dunk event, Mempho Music Festival is poised to return next year. Follow along at memphofest.com to get the early scoop on tickets, 2024 dates, and more.

Georgia-based pop-powerhouse Elijah Johnston returns with Hometown Vampire, his sixth studio album and debut release on Strolling Bones Records. Lauded by Flagpole Magazine as a fast-rising “indie scene legend,” Johnston continues to turn heads for his remarkable songwriting talent, which draws on astute social commentary and self-effacing humor to examine timely observations about the human condition. Hot off the presses today, the much-anticipated collection is accompanied by a grin-inducing music video for the single, “Fifth Beatle” (watch and share below).

Hometown Vampire can best be described as a manifesto for the postmodern world. Inspired by Johnston’s real-life encounters with the peril of small-town celebrity, the music industry machine, and the always-bewildering paradigm of love, the 11-track set captures deeply intricate concepts with impressive eloquence. Oscillating seamlessly between hair-whipping bangers, tender piano ballads and lustrous, symphonic compositions, the 35 minute listen covers significant ground in its relatively brief overture––calling to mind classically-revered acts like The Beatles, The Smiths, and Billy Joel, as well as contemporary standouts like Vampire Weekend and Death Cab For Cutie in equal measure.

With support from producer/engineer Tommy Trautwein and longtime collaborators Gideon Johnston, Cannon Rogers, Gracie Huffman, and Drew Beskin, Johnston has undoubtedly unleashed his most honest, brazen, and irresistible work to date. The Hometown Vampire tour kicks off in Athens tonight at the Georgia Theatre Rooftop (tickets/info). Follow along at elijahjohnston.net/ for the latest updates.

Hometown Vampire Track List

Second Chances

Drewbie Got a Haircut

Hometown Vampire

Syrup

I Remember Everything

Downtown Living

Folly Beach

Fifth Beatle

Social Smoker

8AM

Nobody Ever Feels This Way

Elijah Johnston Tour Dates

10/6 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre Rooftop

10/15 - New York, NY - Bar Freda

10/18 - Philadelphia, PA - Century

10/19 - Richmond, VA - Get Tight Lounge

10/25 - New Orleans, LA - Banks Street Bar

10/26 - Jackson, MS - Hal & Mal's

11/9 - Birmingham, AL - Avondale Upstairs

11/10 - Columbus, GA - Silvan Guitars

11/11 - Columbus, GA - JarFest

Athens’ storied musical collective TaxiCab Verses will re-release its 2016 album, Is What You Make It, October 20 on Strolling Bones Records. The 10-track set is a project of Jim Wilson and Kofi Atentenben and the Warriors, who met in Accra, Ghana in 2008, and quickly grew into an international effort featuring over 20 collaborators including Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers. Recorded partially in Ghana and later finished at Flicker Theatre & Bar in downtown Athens, Is What You Make It has since been regarded as one of the most unique and awe-inspiring relics of Athens music history; combining traditional Ghanaian instrumentation––djembe, African congos, xylophone, and various bells, rattles and shakers––with a classic Americana lineup of electric guitar, bass, cello, drums, violin, and saxophone. Ahead of its anticipated reissue on the New West Records imprint next week, TaxiCab Verses has shared its take on the traditional Ghanaian song, “Ajenjua,” out today on all digital streaming platforms (listen and share here).

A veteran musician, songwriter, and linchpin of the Athens-area music community, Jim Wilson first made the trek to Accra, Ghana in 2008 in pursuit of a relationship. Despite its eventual dissolution, Wilson’s fascination with West African music and culture fueled two additional back-to-back visits. On his daily excursions, he documented the comically ambiguous sayings he would find on the streets—phrases like “Be Wise,” or “No Jesus No Life,” which adorned the backs of taxicabs. Wilson quickly befriended a bevy of local musicians who welcomed his curiosity and graciously allowed him to record soundbites of their get togethers. In time, Wilson devised the idea to form a makeshift band with his Ghanaian compatriots.

“He always had a deep interest in the music of West Africa and although his trip was initially to do field recordings of local musicians there, it soon morphed into an all-encompassing project with Jim taking phrases he saw on the backs of the various taxicabs he rode in, then writing them down and turning them into the basis of a series of songs,” recalls Patterson Hood. “The results became the TaxiCab Verses.”

Upon his return to Athens, Wilson introduced the budding project to a number of trusted cohorts. Over several days, they set up shop at the beloved Flicker Theatre & Bar, where nearly 20 people––including Brad Morgan (Drive-By Truckers), John Fernandes (Elephant Six), Matt “Pistol” Stoessel (Faye Webster), and Strolling Bones label mate Jacob Morris––got mic’d up and began to play.

Hood adds, “It all somehow became a beautiful symphony of beats and grooves, creating a bed for Jim’s insightful and elusive lyrics and expressions; all captured so perfectly by Drew Vandenberg, who has since gone on to become one of the most respected and in-demand producers/engineers around.”

When all was said and done, TaxiCab Verses had blossomed into a stunning and colorful mosaic unlike anything else. Is What You Make It, the group’s singular studio effort, not only memorializes the unique amalgam of circumstances which led to the unlikely collaboration; it also bridges the gap between two very different, yet distinctly beautiful worlds. An exuberant collection of danceable numbers and emotive instrumental arrangements, Is What You Make It is a one of a kind heirloom that transcends time and place.

Reflecting on the project, Hood concludes, “So now I’m getting to revisit the finished album all of these years later, and, other than a little sadness at not being able to be there all along, I am so filled with love and pride for what Jim, Drew and all of those amazing musicians from two continents have created. Kudos to George Fontaine and the Strolling Bones Records folks for spotlighting this amazing chapter of Athens music history (and beyond) and finally making this record available for the whole world to hear.”

Is What You Make It from TaxiCab Verses will be available on DSP and vinyl for the first time ever on October 20, 2023. Visit strollingbonesrecords.com/taxi-cab-verses to learn more.

Is What You Make It Track List

Zero to Hero

Charlie Parker

Step by Step

Be Wise, Think Twice

Tug of War

Boyz Boyz

Ajenjua

First Things First (Obama Obama)

Dunia

Wazor

Orange Blossom Revue has announced the schedule for its ninth annual event taking place Friday and Saturday, December 1-2, 2023 at Lake Wailes Park in central Florida. Critically acclaimed Americana outfit and festival host band The Wood Brothers will lead Friday’s lineup, with award-winning bluegrass virtuoso Molly Tuttle & The Golden Highway and Texan powerhouse Harper O’Neil set to appear earlier in the day. Saturday’s docket features Florida favorites JJ Grey & Mofro, plus performances by Brent Cobb, Mike & The Moonpies, Kaitlin Butts, and Cat Ridgeway and The Tourists, rounding out the weekend with a bonafide Americana/soul sound. See above for a full day-by-day breakdown.

Proceeds from Orange Blossom Revue support its nonprofit beneficiary, Blossom Charitable Foundation. The organization was established in 2021 by festival founders Rusty Ingley and Reid Hardman as a means to promote arts and culture in Lake Wales year-round. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit orangeblossomrevue.com/foundation.

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, Orange Blossom Revue continues to shine as a can’t-miss annual destination. The festival will take place December 1-2, 2023 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with Weekend and Single Day passes on sale now. A limited allotment of specially-priced GA Weekend passes are available for purchase at the Lake Wales Arts Council (in person ONLY) to Lake Wales locals. For more information, to explore camping and RV options, and to stay up-to-date on all things OBR, visit orangeblossomrevue.com.

Orange Blossom Revue 2023 Lineup

JJ Grey & Mofro

The Wood Brothers

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Brent Cobb

Mike and the Moonpies

Kaitlin Butts

Harper O’Neill

Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists

Adding nearly two dozen new U.S. dates to an already jam-packed 2024 schedule, 49 Winchester is poised for its most triumphant year yet. Hot off the heels of a two week outing in the UK and Europe with Luke Combs, the group is currently wrapping up its final tour dates of the year before reconvening in Raleigh in February. Newly announced appearances will cover much of the southeast, south, and northeast, with return visits confirmed in Athens, Memphis, Columbia, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City, along with debuts in Detroit, Starkville, Washington D.C., Bloomington and more. View all upcoming tour dates below.

With multiple awards, nominations, and achievements at its feet, 49 Winchester continues to hold the title as one of the most sought after alt-country establishments of its kind. The coming year will see an onslaught of both support and headlining opportunities including four nights with Tyler Childers in April (two of which will take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville); an appearance on the March 23 taping of the PBS-syndicated Caverns Sessions alongside the likes of Elizabeth Cook, Dan Tyminski, Yola, and more; plus debuts at Outlaw Country Cruise, Two Step Inn and Big As Texas Festival, among others. In March, the group will be breaking ground in Canada for a string of dates with Corb Lund before returning to the UK and Europe (this time as headliners), starting mid-May in Oslo.

49 Winchester’s ground breaking New West Records debut, Fortune Favors the Bold, has brought the group seemingly endless acclaim. In just the last year alone, the band has cracked over two million monthly listeners on Spotify; charted on multiple Billboard lists; received a nomination for Americana Music Association’s Duo/Group of the Year, and been lauded by Rolling Stone as “Country Music’s Buzziest of Buzz Bands.” Well on its way toward becoming a worldwide sensation, 49 Winchester never fails to deliver a show-stopping spectacle of country, rock, and down-home Appalachian soul.

Tickets for all newly-announced 49 Winchester tour dates are on sale to the public starting this Friday, November 10th. Artist presale begins Wednesday, November 8th at 10:00 AM local time, while Spotify presale begins Wednesday, November 8th at 12:00 PM local time. For more information, visit www.49Winchester.com.

49 Winchester 2023 Tour Dates

11/16 - Saturn - Birmingham, AL

11/17 - The Mill & Mine - Knoxville, TN

11/18 - The Signal - Chattanooga, TN

11/30 - The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC (SOLD OUT)

12/1 - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC (SOLD OUT)

12/7 - Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA

12/8 - Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

12/9 - Brooklyn Bowl Nashville - Nashville, TN

12/16 - ETSU Martin Center For The Arts - Johnson City, TN

12/29 - Harvester Performance Center - Rocky Mount, VA

12/30 - Harvester Performance Center - Rocky Mount, VA

12/31 - Harvester Performance Center - Rocky Mount, VA

49 Winchester 2024 Tour Dates

1/6-11 - The MusicFest Steamboat 2024 - Steamboat Springs, CO

2/1 - American Aquarium’s Roadtrip To Raleigh - Raleigh, NC

2/4-10 - Outlaw Country Cruise 2023 - Andover, FL

2/15 - The Ramkat - Winston-Salem, NC ^

2/16 - The Foundry - Greenville, SC ^

2/17 - Vivid Music Hall - Gainesville, FL ^

2/19 - The Senate - Columbia, SC %

2/20 - Georgia Theatre - Athens, GA %

2/22 - Druid City Music Hall, Tuscaloosa, AL %

2/23 - Rick’s Cafe - Starkville, MS %

2/24 - Minglewood Hall - Memphis, TN %

3/5 - The Orpheum - Vancouver, BC #

3/6 - Kelowna Community Theatre - Kelowna, BC #

3/7 - Grey Eagle Event Centre - Calgary, AB #

3/9 - Midway Music Hall, Night 1 - Edmonton, AB #

3/10 - Midway Music Hall, Night 2 - Edmonton, AB #

3/11 - TCU Place - Saskatoon, SK #

3/13 - Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg, MB #

3/14 - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - Thunder Bay, ON #

3/16 - Algonquin Commons Theatre - Ottawa, ON #

3/17 - London Music Hall - London, ON #

3/20 - The Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON #

3/23 - The Caverns Sessions PBS Taping - Pelham, TN

3/21 - Majestic Theatre - Detroit, MI ~

3/28 - Stage AE - Pittsburgh, PA ^

3/29 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC ^

4/4 - Mountain Arts Center - Prestonsburg, KY $

4/5 - Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY $

4/6 - The Burl Outdoors - Lexington, KY

4/9 - The Bluebird - Bloomington, IN +

4/11 - The Bourbon Theatre - Lincoln, NE +

4/12 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO +

4/15 - Legacy Arena At The BJCC - Birmingham, AL *

4/16 - Thompson-Boling Arena - Knoxville, TN *

4/18 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN *

4/19 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN *

4/21 - Two Step Inn 2024 - Georgetown, TX

5/10 - Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall - Fort Worth, TX @

5/12 - Big As Texas Festival 2024 - Conroe, TX

5/16 - John Dee - Oslo, Norway

5/17 - Kägelbanan - Stockholm, Sweden

5/19 - Vega - København, Denmark

5/20 - Bahnhof Pauli - Hamburg, Germany

5/21 - Club Volta - Köln, Germany

5/23 - Tolhuistuin - Amsterdam, Netherlands

5/24 - Le Stock - La Louviére, Belgium

5/26 - SWX - Bristol, United Kingdom

5/27 - Koko - London, United Kingdom

5/28 - New Century Hall - Manchester, United Kingdom

5/30 - SWG3 Galvanizers - Glasgow, United Kingdom

5/31 - Limelight - Belfast, United Kingdom

6/1 - 3Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland

6/23 - Buckeye Country Superfest 2024 - Columbus, OH

7/26 - Headwaters Country Jam 2024 - Three Forks, MT

7/27 - Country Fan Fest 2024 - Tooele, UT

Supporting:

# Corb Lund

* Tyler Childers

With Support From:

^ Colby Acuff

% Drayton Farley

$ Jake Kohn

@ Lance Roark

+ Reid Haughton

~ Philip Bowen

Bold = Just Added

With its 10th anniversary approaching, the Earl Scruggs Center is proud to announce the return of its annual Remembering Earl benefit concert, taking place Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Malcolm Brown Auditorium in Shelby, NC. Featuring GRAMMY-winning bluegrass ensemble The Travelin’ McCourys, internationally-esteemed banjoist Tony Trischka and unrivaled dobro master Jerry Douglas, the forthcoming celebration will both honor the legacy of Earl Scruggs –– a Cleveland County-born bluegrass pioneer whose innovative three-finger banjo technique is now an industry standard –– and illuminate the lasting influence of his contributions to American music. General Admission and VIP tickets are on sale now, with proceeds supporting the Earl Scruggs Center and its ongoing educational initiatives.

Founded in 2014, the Earl Scruggs Center boasts an immersive, all-ages museum and multipurpose event space which plays host to a variety of programming year-round. In addition to its unique display of permanent exhibits, the Scruggs Center also regularly features a number of rotating presentations that further explore Earl Scruggs’ comprehensive career, personal history, and cultural impact. In deference to Earl’s 100th birthday occurring January 6, the Scruggs Center has joined forces with Tony Trischka to unveil a new exhibit which will examine the banjoist’s early life from birth until his post-WWII pursuit of a professional music career in 1945. The grand opening of this exhibit is due January 13, in correspondence with the Remembering Earl concert, and kicks off a series of special events spanning the year as a tribute to these milestone anniversaries.

Tickets to Earl Scruggs Center Presents – Remembering Earl Benefit are on sale now. VIP packages include access to an encore after party taking place at the Earl Scruggs Center following the show. For more information, visit www.earlscruggscenter.org.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Center Presents – Remembering Earl Benefit Concert

WHEN: Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM (ET)

WHERE: Malcolm Brown Auditorium (230 E. Dixon Boulevard)

TICKETS: $30 - $150

TICKET LINK: bit.ly/RememberingEarl24

ESC WEBSITE: earlscruggscenter.com

TR3 has announced it will go back on the road early next year in support of a new studio album due January 19. Fronted by two-time GRAMMY-nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the illustrious trio promises a jam packed season ahead with expanded tour dates and the arrival of Watch It, the group’s forthcoming full-length release. Reynolds and co. will set out for Portsmouth, NH on January 18 and make its way through a number of northeast cities including Hartford, CT and New York, NY before heading to the midwest for appearances in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. View the full tour schedule below.

With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is lauded as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists of all time. Through innumerable contributions to the American music canon, Reynolds continues to demonstrate effortless guitar virtuosity, masterful command of melody and timing, and uncanny improvisational prowess, evidenced both in his role as lead guitarist for Dave Matthews Band and frontman of long-held experimental project TR3. Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains a fixture in the international jam scene.

On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group will soon unveil a fresh batch of compositions written and arranged during the pandemic-prompted off season. Recorded at Haunted Hollow––the private studio of Dave Matthews Band––in Charlottesville, VA and produced by DMB chief engineer/studio manager Rob Evans, the highly anticipated collection features ten mostly-instrumental numbers that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. A striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, Watch It boasts a troth of innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity. Soon joining the trio’s extensive catalog of critically-celebrated releases, fans can expect a one of a kind musical spectacle that places TR3 at the top of its game.

For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit timreynolds.com. Stay up to date on all things TR3 by following along @TimReynoldsTR3 on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds 2024 Tour Dates

01/18 - Jimmy's on Congress - Portsmouth, NH

01/19 - REX Theatre - Manchester, NH  

01/20 - Bayside Bowl - Portland, ME

01/21 - The Strand Theatre - Hudson Falls, NY  

01/24 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA

01/25 - Infinity Music Hall - Hartford, CT

01/26 - Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ

01/27 - The Iridium - New York, NY

01/28 - Phantom Power - Millersville, PA

01/31 - Kent Stage - Kent, OH

02/01 - Hi Fi - Indianapolis, IN

02/02 - Castle Theatre - Bloomington, IL

02/03 - City Winery - St. Louis MO

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has announced the initial lineup for its 36th annual event, taking place April 25-28, 2024, on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Leading the breadth of can’t-miss performances this year are Grammy-winning rogue-folk ensemble Old Crow Medicine Show (celebrating both their 25th anniversary and nearly 25 years since their MerleFest debut in 2000), Red Dirt stalwarts Turnpike Troubadours, decorated blues-rock duo The Teskey Brothers, and recently reunited bluegrass sensation Nickel Creek. MerleFest favorites Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and more are also set to appear. View the initial lineup below. Additional artists are to be announced in the coming weeks.

Committed to illuminating the profound impact of its founding legend, Doc Watson, MerleFest continues to deliver one-of-a-kind programming that pays equal homage to pioneers of the folk movement alongside fresh and burgeoning voices. Last year, the festival commemorated both its 35th year in operation and Doc’s 100th birthday. Drawing over 75,000 patrons to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains each spring, MerleFest’s well-attested “traditional plus” experience maintains its title as one of the most iconic musical pilgrimages of its time.

MerleFest 2024 will welcome Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Shinyribs, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Chatham County Line, Chatham Rabbits, John McEuen, Willi Carlisle, Adeem the Artist, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, The Waybacks, Alexa Rose, Andy May, Ashes & Arrows, B. Townes, Banknotes, Buffalo Nichols, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Flattop, Goldpine, Gravity Check Juggling, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Jack Lawrence, Jake Kohn, Jeff Little Trio, JigJam, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Kyshona, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Nefesh Mountain, Palmyra, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, The Silent Comedy, T. Michael Coleman, Them Coulee Boys, Tony Williamson, Uwade, and Wayne Henderson. For artist performance dates, visit merlefest.org/lineup.

MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.

Asheville’s Holler Choir has announced it will deliver its debut record, Songs Before They Write Themselves on January 12. An addendum to its widely-celebrated 2022 EP, Mountain Air, the fast-rising string band is poised to reach the masses with the unveiling of its first full-length collection. Ahead of the forthcoming release, the group has shared its bluegrass-tinged take on Nirvana’s hit song, “Heart Shaped Box,” out today on all digital streaming platforms. Listen and share here.

Featuring the lyrical prowess of Clint Roberts and bolstered by the talents of Johnson City’s Helena Rose on harmony vocals and dulcet clawhammer banjo, Holler Choir creates original music steeped in the mystical sensibilities of old-time Appalachia. Alongside upright bassist Norbert McGettigan and a steady rotating cast of collaborators, the ever-evolving ensemble has found a singular voice that summons all the well-worn elements of Americana, bluegrass, and folk and brings them into a fresh context. The result is a colorful patchwork of time-honored traditions and modern eclecticism that challenges the confines of conventional songwriting with impressive oneness.

On Songs Before They Write Themselves, Holler Choir joined forces with GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Ashworth (of Steep Canyon Rangers fame), along with engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia), and mastering virtuoso Kim Rosen. Tracked entirely inside the converted chapel of Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, the latest opus from Holler Choir showcases exceptional craftsmanship and discernment on every level.

“The only way to know how far you’ve come sometimes is to look behind you,” shares frontman Clint Roberts, adding, “...and I can’t define the unit that is Songs Before They Write Themselves without at least some retrospection on what came before it. I think that for many artists, particularly writers, there is a wandering phase that is necessary to reach a creative thesis. If you know exactly what you’re trying to say with your art from the moment you pick up your medium, that’s great, but few of us start there. In making my previous EP, Mountain Air, I saw it as a pilot hole for something bigger; an arrival at a creative home that I could fully call my own. With Songs Before They Write Themselves, I think I’ve found the nail.”

At its core, Songs Before They Write Themselves is a record at the crossroads of the past, present, and future. The name itself implies an uncertain fate for the creation of music, subtly hinting at the specter of AI-generated songwriting, and, on a broader scale, humanity’s significant dependence on technology. While Roberts speaks to familiar themes of heartbreak, melancholy, and the discomfort of change, larger existential questions permeate the overall mood, conjuring introspective, and often unsettling, prompts for personal meditation.

With no fillers in sight, each track on the collection underlines Holler Choir’s distinct ability to venerate regional techniques without compromising ingenuity. “Hard Pill,” one of the foremost songs on the record, puts the remarkable fingerwork of Helena Rose on full display while illuminating Roberts’ emotive vocal tenor. The tongue-in-cheek “Hamlet Blues” offers astute juxtaposition between its despondent lyrical undertones and upbeat presentation, while “Ain’t Too Soon” toys with deeply subjective observations about the construct of faith and religion through an ironically-zealous melody. “Heart Shaped Box,” the only cover on the album, provides a deliberate reprieve from Roberts’ internal unfolding while highlighting just how universal the human condition truly is.

Calling to mind the likes of modern Americana greats including Watchhouse, Mipso, and The Milk Carton Kids, the first full-length fixture in Holler Choir’s catalog is a triumphant tour-de-force of evocative reflection, powerful self-actualization, and perpetual discovery. Songs Before They Write Themselves arrives on digital streaming platforms on January 12, 2024. For more information, visit HollerChoir.com.

Songs Before They Write Themselves Track List

One Less Lie

Fair Weather Lover

Sister Inspiration

Summersville

Hard Pill

Hamlet Blues

Darlene

Heart Shaped Box

This Skin

Ain’t Too Soon 

Holler Choir Tour Dates

12/06 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC*

12/08 – The Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC^

12/9 – Radio Room – Greenville, SC

12/10 – Radio Room – Greenville, SC

12/15 – Visulite Theatre – Charlotte, NC*

12/30 – New Brookland Tavern – Columbia, SC

12/31 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC*

1/19 – Flat Iron – Greensboro, NC

*SUSTO String Band

^New West Records Holiday Ho Down

MerleFest, presented by Window World, has added Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Larkin Poe, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Sierra Hull, Dan Tyminski Band, and more to its 2024 lineup. Taking place April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the 36th annual celebration of "traditional plus" music and founding legend, Doc Watson, promises an unforgettable weekend featuring a treasure trove of A-list talent, including first-time performers as well as familiar MerleFest veterans. Also joining this year’s docket is Grammy award winning outfit Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, decorated songwriter Brandy Clark (up for a staggering six Grammy nominations this year), fast-rising country fixture Nick Shoulders, and over two dozen others. View the complete lineup below.

MerleFest continues to deliver one-of-a-kind programming that pays equal homage to pioneers of the folk movement alongside fresh and burgeoning voices. Last year, the festival commemorated both its 35th year in operation and Doc Watson’s 100th birthday. Drawing over 75,000 patrons to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains each spring, MerleFest’s well-attested “traditional plus” experience maintains its title as one of the most iconic musical pilgrimages of its time.

MerleFest’s full 2024 lineup includes Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Larkin Poe, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dan Tyminski Band, Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Hull, Brandy Clark, Shinyribs, Nick Shoulders, Willie Watson, Peter Rowan, Scythian, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, S.G. Goodman, New Dangerfield, Chatham County Line, Chatham Rabbits, John McEuen, Willie Carlisle, Adeem the Artist, The Last Revel, Twisted Pine, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, The Waybacks, Nefesh Mountain, Them Coulee Boys, Buffalo Nichols, Evan Honer, Jake Kohn, Wyatt Ellis, Colby T. Helms & the Virginia Creepers, Palmyra, Alexa Rose, Andy May, Arkansauce, Ashes & Arrows, “B” Townes, Banknotes, Bob Margolin, Carol Rifkin, Carolina Detour, Charles Welch, Corey Harris, Ettore Buzzini, Falling Timber Band, Goldpine, Gravity Check Juggling, The Harris Brothers, The InterACTtive Theater of Jef, Into the Fog, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, JigJam, Joe Smothers, Josh Goforth, Kyshona, The Langan Band, Laura Boosinger, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Missy Raines & Allegheny, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, New Found Gap, Pete & Joan Wernick, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, Presley Barker, Roan Street Ramblers, Roy Book Binder, The Silent Comedy, The Sullivan Sisters, T. Michael Coleman, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Tony Williamson, Uwade, and Wayne Henderson.

For artist performance dates, visit merlefest.org/lineup.

MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.

MerleFest volunteer applications are now open. As a volunteer, participants will receive free entry to the festival for the entire day of their shift, free parking and shuttle, and 10% off camping at River’s Edge Campground. Most importantly, volunteers will be supporting a major fundraiser for Wilkes Community College. Please visit merlefest.org/volunteer to sign up before the April 13th deadline.

Apply to be a MerleFest vendor! Vendors are carefully selected to provide a variety of quality and unique goods for every MerleFest fan. Included in the vendor fee is the cost of your tent, tent setup, fire extinguisher, gutters, table, chairs, lightbulb for nighttime illumination, on-campus security, as well as general admission passes for the entire festival and one on-campus parking pass. Simply put, it’s a great deal! Please visit merlefest.org/vendors to apply now before the application window closes on January 15th.

Orange Blossom Revue marked the conclusion of its 9th annual festival with a record turnout this weekend. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Wailes Park in central Florida, the two-day musical extravaganza continues to rank among the year's most eagerly awaited events, attracting thousands of enthusiastic attendees to the charming town each year.

Friday’s festivities saw no shortage of memorable moments, starting with a sizzling set by rising Americana and soul powerhouse Harper O’Neill. The Dallas-born, Nashville-based phenom treated a lively late afternoon crowd with selections from her newly-released debut album, Dark Bar Daisy, plus a number of impressive covers including an emotive rendition of Susan Tedeschi’s hit song, “It Hurt So Bad.” Later, GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass ensemble Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway delivered a smoldering hour of impeccable picking before joining festival host band The Wood Brothers for a singalong of Rhiannon Giddens’ “Up Above My Head.” Topping off the evening with well-worn favorites from their expansive catalog and standout tracks from their 2023 opus, Heart is the Hero, the award-winning outfit fronted by brothers Chris and Oliver Wood proved the perfect closer for an outstanding first day.

On Saturday, Orlando-based Cat Ridgeway and the Tourists ignited the crowd with an infectious performance of high-octane numbers, including a stellar tribute to the 90s classic, “Dreams” by Irish rock group The Cranberries. Kaitlin Butts then took the stage, serving a well-rounded set of heartfelt tearjerkers and spirited, boot-stomping country anthems before honky tonk heathens Mike and the Moonpies welcomed the close of the afternoon with their signature barroom boogies. Brent Cobb was another highlight of the night, kicking off his set with chart-topping original “Keep ‘Em on They Toes” and going on to perform several choice cuts from his hot-off-the-presses Thirty Tigers release, Southern Star. In true Orange Blossom fashion, Saturday headliners JJ Grey and Mofro closed the curtain on an unforgettable weekend with back-to-back hits including “99 Shades of Crazy,” “Every Minute,” and of course, “Orange Blossoms,” plus tender ballads like “The Sun is Shining Down," and a show-stopping adaptation of The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” featuring the sensational vocal stylings of Katie Dutton.

Bidding farewell to another slam dunk event, Orange Blossom Revue will return next year for its 10th annual festival, coming December 2024 to the heart of the Sunshine State. Follow along at OrangeBlossomRevue.com to get the early scoop on tickets and more.

Organizers behind Mempho Music Festival––which takes place each October on the idyllic grounds of Memphis Botanic Gardens––have announced that festival alumni Widespread Panic will return to Radians Amphitheater for a Memorial Day weekend extravaganza like no other. The event will take place May 24-25, 2024 and feature two back-to-back headlining shows with two full sets each night from the internationally acclaimed outfit, as well as appearances by Americana icon Margo Price on Friday and country/funk spectacle Paul Cauthen on Saturday. Tickets are on sale beginning this Friday, December 8 at 10:00 AM Central.

Mempho Presents is an independent promotion company that delivers A-list entertainment and fan experiences. In addition to its flagship festival, Mempho Fest, the group is responsible for producing shows and events year-round at venues in Memphis, TN and the Mid-South.

Single and two-day passes to Mempho Presents: Widespread Panic Memorial Weekend 2024 are on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM Central, with premium upgrade and parking add-ons available. Upgraded passes include exclusive access to an on-site bar with air conditioning, permanent restroom facilities, and preferred pricing on beer, wine and cocktails, plus one premium parking spot per upgrade purchased. Individual parking passes are also available for purchase at $25 a piece. Visit MemphoPresents.com or see below for a direct ticket link and more information.

WHAT: Mempho Presents: Widespread Panic Memorial Weekend

WHEN: Friday, May 24-Saturday, May 25, 2024

WHERE: Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden (750 Cherry Road)

WHEN: Gates 5:00 PM, Show 6:30 PM (Subject to Change)

TICKETS: $75-$228

TICKET PURCHASE LINK: https://bit.ly/47EPCEH

WEBSITE: MemphoPresents.com

Shell Daze Music Festival returns to Overton Park Shell in midtown Memphis April 19-20, 2024 with a funk-filled lineup led by JJ Grey & Mofro and Oteil & Friends ft. Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, and Lamar Williams Jr. Also confirmed for appearances at the third annual gathering are Colorado-based jam/roots spectacle The Runaway Grooms, plus regional favorites Kudzu Kings and Devil Train. Single and two-day passes are on sale now.

Shell Daze is produced by independent promotion company Mempho Presents, which hosts Mempho Music Festival, as well as a number of shows and events in Memphis, TN and the Mid-South year-round. Recently, representatives from Mempho Presents announced the launch of RiverBeat Music Festival, a new multi-day music festival taking place May 3-5, 2024 at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis.

Single and two-day passes, as well as VIP deck passes to the 3rd annual Shell Daze Music Festival are on sale now. Visit MemphoPresents.com or see below for a direct ticket link and more information.

WHAT: 3rd Annual Shell Daze Music Festival

WHEN: Friday, April 19-Saturday, April 20, 2024

WHERE: 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104

TIME: (Friday) Doors 5:00 PM; (Saturday) Doors 3:30 PM

TICKETS: $40-$150

TICKET PURCHASE LINK: https://bit.ly/3v5CERC

WEBSITE: MemphoPresents.com

Asheville’s Holler Choir will deliver its debut record, Songs Before They Write Themselves on January 12. An addendum to its widely-celebrated 2022 EP, Mountain Air, the fast-rising string band is poised to reach the masses with the unveiling of its first full-length collection. Ahead of the forthcoming release, the group has shared "Ain't Too Soon," an equal parts misanthropic and zealous number, which premiered yesterday on Glide, dubbing the group as "crafting the kind of folk-bluegrass hybrid music that appeals to listeners outside of both genres." Listen and share "Ain't Too Soon" here.

Featuring the lyrical prowess of Clint Roberts and bolstered by the talents of Johnson City’s Helena Rose on harmony vocals and dulcet clawhammer banjo, Holler Choir creates original music steeped in the mystical sensibilities of old-time Appalachia. Alongside upright bassist Norbert McGettigan and a steady rotating cast of collaborators, the ever-evolving ensemble has found a singular voice that summons all the well-worn elements of Americana, bluegrass, and folk and brings them into a fresh context. The result is a colorful patchwork of time-honored traditions and modern eclecticism that challenges the confines of conventional songwriting with impressive oneness.

On Songs Before They Write Themselves, Holler Choir joined forces with GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Ashworth (of Steep Canyon Rangers fame), along with engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia), and mastering virtuoso Kim Rosen. Tracked entirely inside the converted chapel of Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, the latest opus from Holler Choir showcases exceptional craftsmanship and discernment on every level.

“The only way to know how far you’ve come sometimes is to look behind you,” shares frontman Clint Roberts, adding, “...and I can’t define the unit that is Songs Before They Write Themselves without at least some retrospection on what came before it. I think that for many artists, particularly writers, there is a wandering phase that is necessary to reach a creative thesis. If you know exactly what you’re trying to say with your art from the moment you pick up your medium, that’s great, but few of us start there. In making my previous EP, Mountain Air, I saw it as a pilot hole for something bigger; an arrival at a creative home that I could fully call my own. With Songs Before They Write Themselves, I think I’ve found the nail.”

At its core, Songs Before They Write Themselves is a record at the crossroads of the past, present, and future. The name itself implies an uncertain fate for the creation of music, subtly hinting at the specter of AI-generated songwriting, and, on a broader scale, humanity’s significant dependence on technology. While Roberts speaks to familiar themes of heartbreak, melancholy, and the discomfort of change, larger existential questions permeate the overall mood, conjuring introspective, and often unsettling, prompts for personal meditation.

With no fillers in sight, each track on the collection underlines Holler Choir’s distinct ability to venerate regional techniques without compromising ingenuity. “Hard Pill,” one of the foremost songs on the record, puts the remarkable fingerwork of Helena Rose on full display while illuminating Roberts’ emotive vocal tenor. The tongue-in-cheek “Hamlet Blues” offers astute juxtaposition between its despondent lyrical undertones and upbeat presentation, while “Ain’t Too Soon” toys with deeply subjective observations about the construct of faith and religion through an ironically-zealous melody. “Heart Shaped Box,” the only cover on the album, provides a deliberate reprieve from Roberts’ internal unfolding while highlighting just how universal the human condition truly is.

Calling to mind the likes of modern Americana greats including Watchhouse, Mipso, and The Milk Carton Kids, the first full-length fixture in Holler Choir’s catalog is a triumphant tour-de-force of evocative reflection, powerful self-actualization, and perpetual discovery. Songs Before They Write Themselves arrives on digital streaming platforms on January 12, 2024. For more information, visit HollerChoir.com.

Asheville’s Holler Choir has announced it will deliver its debut record, Songs Before They Write Themselves on January 12. An addendum to its widely-celebrated 2022 EP, Mountain Air, the fast-rising string band is poised to reach the masses with the unveiling of its first full-length collection. Ahead of the forthcoming release, the group has shared "Darlene," an ironically upbeat number that characterizes the haunting nature of past love interests and encapsulates the paradoxical emotions of nostalgia and fear. Listen and share here.

Featuring the lyrical prowess of Clint Roberts and bolstered by the talents of Johnson City’s Helena Rose on harmony vocals and dulcet clawhammer banjo, Holler Choir creates original music steeped in the mystical sensibilities of old-time Appalachia. Alongside upright bassist Norbert McGettigan and a steady rotating cast of collaborators, the ever-evolving ensemble has found a singular voice that summons all the well-worn elements of Americana, bluegrass, and folk and brings them into a fresh context. The result is a colorful patchwork of time-honored traditions and modern eclecticism that challenges the confines of conventional songwriting with impressive oneness.

On Songs Before They Write Themselves, Holler Choir joined forces with GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Ashworth (of Steep Canyon Rangers fame), along with engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia), and mastering virtuoso Kim Rosen. Tracked entirely inside the converted chapel of Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, the latest opus from Holler Choir showcases exceptional craftsmanship and discernment on every level.

“The only way to know how far you’ve come sometimes is to look behind you,” shares frontman Clint Roberts, adding, “...and I can’t define the unit that is Songs Before They Write Themselves without at least some retrospection on what came before it. I think that for many artists, particularly writers, there is a wandering phase that is necessary to reach a creative thesis. If you know exactly what you’re trying to say with your art from the moment you pick up your medium, that’s great, but few of us start there. In making my previous EP, Mountain Air, I saw it as a pilot hole for something bigger; an arrival at a creative home that I could fully call my own. With Songs Before They Write Themselves, I think I’ve found the nail.”

At its core, Songs Before They Write Themselves is a record at the crossroads of the past, present, and future. The name itself implies an uncertain fate for the creation of music, subtly hinting at the specter of AI-generated songwriting, and, on a broader scale, humanity’s significant dependence on technology. While Roberts speaks to familiar themes of heartbreak, melancholy, and the discomfort of change, larger existential questions permeate the overall mood, conjuring introspective, and often unsettling, prompts for personal meditation.

With no fillers in sight, each track on the collection underlines Holler Choir’s distinct ability to venerate regional techniques without compromising ingenuity. “Hard Pill,” one of the foremost songs on the record, puts the remarkable fingerwork of Helena Rose on full display while illuminating Roberts’ emotive vocal tenor. The tongue-in-cheek “Hamlet Blues” offers astute juxtaposition between its despondent lyrical undertones and upbeat presentation, while “Ain’t Too Soon” toys with deeply subjective observations about the construct of faith and religion through an ironically-zealous melody. “Heart Shaped Box,” the only cover on the album, provides a deliberate reprieve from Roberts’ internal unfolding while highlighting just how universal the human condition truly is.

Calling to mind the likes of modern Americana greats including Watchhouse, Mipso, and The Milk Carton Kids, the first full-length fixture in Holler Choir’s catalog is a triumphant tour-de-force of evocative reflection, powerful self-actualization, and perpetual discovery. Songs Before They Write Themselves arrives on digital streaming platforms on January 12, 2024. For more information, visit HollerChoir.com.

TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds has confirmed it will release a new studio album, Watch It, on January 19. Fronted by two-time GRAMMY-nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the illustrious trio will resume its U.S. tour with a number of appearances in the northeast starting with a sold out show January 18 in Portsmouth, NH before advancing to the midwest with stops in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Today, TR3 previews the forthcoming record with the release of its titular single, “Watch It.” The spirited instrumental number, which affirms Reynolds and Co’s unequivocal craftsmanship and deep-rooted chemistry, is available for download and streaming on all major listening platforms. Listen and share here.

With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is lauded as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists of all time. Through innumerable contributions to the American music canon, Reynolds continues to demonstrate effortless guitar virtuosity, masterful command of melody and timing, and uncanny improvisational prowess, evidenced both in his role as lead guitarist for Dave Matthews Band and frontman of long-held experimental project TR3. Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains a fixture in the international jam scene.

On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group will soon unveil a fresh batch of compositions written and arranged during the pandemic-prompted off season. Recorded at Haunted Hollow––the private studio of Dave Matthews Band––in Charlottesville, VA and produced by DMB chief engineer/studio manager Rob Evans, the highly anticipated collection features ten mostly-instrumental numbers that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. A striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, Watch It boasts a troth of innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity. Soon joining the trio’s extensive catalog of critically-celebrated releases, fans can expect a one of a kind musical spectacle that places TR3 at the top of its game.

For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit timreynolds.com. Stay up to date on all things TR3 by following along @TimReynoldsTR3 on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds 2024 Tour Dates

01/18 - Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club - Portsmouth, NH (SOLD OUT)

01/19 - The Rex Theatre - Manchester, NH  

01/20 - Bayside Bowl - Portland, ME

01/21 - The Strand Theatre - Hudson Falls, NY  

01/24 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA

01/25 - Infinity Music Hall - Hartford, CT

01/26 - Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ

01/27 - The Iridium - New York, NY

01/28 - Phantom Power - Millersville, PA

01/31 - Kent Stage - Kent, OH

02/01 - Hi Fi - Indianapolis, IN

02/02 - Castle Theatre - Bloomington, IL

02/03 - City Winery - St. Louis MO

TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds explores the eccentricities of contemporary life with playfulness and candor on its latest full-length studio release, Watch It, out now on vinyl, CD, and digital streaming platforms. Fronted by two-time GRAMMY-nominee and Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, the illustrious trio has delivered an insightful and provocative collection that embraces absurdity with a surprising sense of composure. Listen to Watch It in full here.

Joining the highly anticipated release today is the official music video debut for the single, “So Am I,” recorded live at The Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC by Fiasco Pictures. Watch and share here, or see below. TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds is currently on tour in support of the new album, with stops in New Hampshire, Maine, Ohio, Indiana, and more still to come. A full list of tour dates is below.

With a career spanning more than four decades, sonic innovator Tim Reynolds is lauded as one of the most adept and unrivaled instrumentalists of all time. Through innumerable contributions to the American music canon, Reynolds continues to demonstrate effortless guitar virtuosity, masterful command of melody and timing, and uncanny improvisational prowess, evidenced both in his role as lead guitarist for Dave Matthews Band and frontman of long-held experimental project TR3. Founded in the mid-1980s, the trio welcomed Dan Martier and Mick Vaughn on drums and bass, respectively, in 2007 and now remains an international fixture.

On the heels of its 2019 studio album, The Sea Versus the Mountain and 2022 live release Wild in the Sky, the group has unveiled a fresh batch of compositions written and arranged during the pandemic-prompted off season. Recorded at Haunted Hollow––the private studio of Dave Matthews Band––in Charlottesville, VA and produced by DMB chief engineer/studio manager Rob Evans, the latest opus from TR3 features ten mostly-instrumental numbers that see the trio in its most perceptive, harmonious, and imaginative form yet. A striking tapestry of funk, jazz, and rock varieties, Watch It boasts a troth of innovative arrangements that both defy classification and invoke boundless musical curiosity. Now joining the trio’s extensive catalog of critically-celebrated releases, TR3 treats fans to a one of a kind musical spectacle that places the enduring outfit at the top of its game.

For more information on Tim Reynolds and TR3, visit timreynolds.com. Stay up to date on all things TR3 by following along @TimReynoldsTR3 on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

Watch It Track List

1. All By Design

2. Watch It

3. So Am I

4. The Sun Is Still There

5. Going Places (Once Upon a Tune)

6. Dirty Feet

7. You Can You Have You Will

8. Mutant Swarm

9. If Everything Could Be Okay for Just One Moment

10. Golden Flower

TR3 Featuring Tim Reynolds 2024 Tour Dates

01/19 - The Rex Theatre - Manchester, NH^

01/20 - Bayside Bowl - Portland, ME

 01/21 - The Strand Theatre - Hudson Falls, NY  

01/24 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA

 01/25 - Infinity Music Hall - Hartford, CT

01/26 - Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ

 01/27 - The Iridium - New York, NY^

01/28 - Phantom Power - Millersville, PA

01/31 - Kent Stage - Kent, OH

02/01 - Hi Fi - Indianapolis, IN^

02/02 - Castle Theatre - Bloomington, IL

02/03 - City Winery - St. Louis MO

^Low Ticket Warning

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival returns to the idyllic grounds of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY for another unforgettable retreat of music, magic, and memories July 17-21, featuring Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Steeldrivers, and many more. Dry Branch Fire Squad, the festival’s longtime host outfit, will once again deliver top-notch entertainment and storytelling throughout the weekend, while newly minted artist-in-residence Della Mae are poised for a number of enthralling cameos across several stages. Also appearing at the 24th annual Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be GRAMMY-nominated, three-time IBMA-winning all-star female supergroup Sister Sadie, Celtic-rock sensation SCYTHIAN, singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlie Parr, decorated multi-instrumentalist Brennen Leigh, and numerous others. View the initial lineup below, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks.

Committed to uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices alongside their legacy counterparts, Grey Fox is proud to share its 2024 class of Emerging Artists––hand-selected from dozens of applicants––including trailblazing South Korean bluegrass group Country GongBang (the most recent recipient of the IBMA International Band Performance Grant Program), plus The Clements Brothers, Into The Fog, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, Mild Goose Chase, and graduates of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music.

Each year, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival offers a distinct experience unlike any other. Now in its third consecutive decade of operation, music lovers from every corner of the U.S., Canada, and beyond look forward to savoring the magic of the weekend with first-rate musical performances and unique collaborations, jamming, campsite reunions, dancing, and crafts, all beneath a breathtaking horizon. Known for its diverse array of on-site activities––both official and off-the-cuff––including music and dance workshops, family-friendly entertainment,  a songwriting lab, yoga, meditation, and multicultural culinary vendors––Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is the ultimate getaway for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival––an annual gathering of bluegrass, newgrass, and roots music––celebrates its 24th year this July 17-21 in Oak Hill, NY. Single-Day and Weekend passes are on sale now. Camping gates open Wednesday, July 17 at 7am. Day gates open at 7am Thursday through Sunday.

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Lineup

Hosted by Dry Branch Fire Squad

Della Mae (Artist-in-Residence)

Del McCoury Band

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Yonder Mountain String Band

The Steeldrivers

Hawktail

The Travelin’ McCourys

The Gibson Brothers

Sister Sadie

I Draw Slow

Shadowgrass

Sam Grisman Project

Wyatt Ellis

Darol Anger & Bruce Molsky

Charlie Parr

The Mammals

SCYTHIAN

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

Pine Leaf Boys

Charm City Junction

Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam

Brennen Leigh

The Faux Paws

Joe Newberry

Twisted Pine

Mike+Ruthy (of The Mammals)

Pictrola

Zoe & Cloyd

Unspoken Tradition

John, Trish & Quickstep

Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys

Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings

Mild Goose Chase

Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne

Country GongBang

The Cross-Eyed Possum

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Into The Fog

The Clements Brothers

Berklee American Roots Music Showcase

+ More TBA

MerleFest, presented by Window World, will hold its 36th annual festival April 25-28 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Today festival organizers announced MerleFest pioneering artist John Cowan will join the already stellar lineup, including appearances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, Nickel Creek, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and many more. Additionally, the festival is proud to unveil the complete 2024 stage schedules, in conjunction with the release of the updated MerleFest 2024 mobile app (available now for download now on all Apple and Android devices), making it easier than ever to plan your weekend, set reminders for performance times, learn more about each artist, listen to the official MerleFest 2024 Spotify playlist, and much more.

Ahead of this year’s festival, MerleFest fans can enjoy a screening of director Robert Kinlaw’s award-winning documentary, My Name is Merle. The film will premiere on Thursday, March 21, at 10 PM, on PBS NC and the free PBS App. Chronicling the rise and continued legacy of North Carolina’s favorite community fundraiser-turned renowned music festival, My Name is Merle is a delightful crash course in all things MerleFest. My Name is Merle is produced by EducationNC.

MerleFest is proud to once again welcome its 2024 Acoustic Kids Showcases with Andy May. Since 2001, the Acoustic Kids program has given young musicians of any skill level the opportunity to perform on festival stages in a supportive environment. Beginner through pro, all musicians 18 or younger are welcome to participate and share their music with the MerleFest audience. Each year, MerleFest hosts three, 1.5-hour showcases, and a half-hour Acoustic Kids Ambassadors set. Pre-registration is required to participate in Acoustic Kids and is open through March 20 (or until all showcases are full). Register early to hold your spot! Online registration, showcase schedules, and FAQs are available at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids-registration-merlefest/, and detailed registration instructions are at https://andymay.com/acoustic-kids/registration-instructions/.

The Wilkes Community College Foundation will host its fourth annual MerleFest Mega Raffle to support scholarships at WCC. Over $140,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. ONLY 3,000 tickets will be sold, and you do not have to be present to win. The Mega Raffle drawings will be held during the festival on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Raffle/Silent Auction Tent at 2:00 p.m. Winners will be announced during the live drawings and notified via email and phone to confirm the prize. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two entries to the MerleFest Mega Raffle drawings. Mega Raffle tickets ON SALE NOW! https://merlefest.org/megaraffle/

Celebrating its 36th year this spring, MerleFest continues to draw fans from all over the world to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for four days of music, moments and memories. Proceeds from the annual event will support the year-round initiatives of Wilkes Community College while continuing to preserve and honor the legacies of its founding figures, Doc and Merle Watson.

MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival will return to Mill Spring, NC August 30-September 1 with a trifecta of outstanding talent, supreme amenities, and family friendly entertainment. This morning, organizers announced the 2024 lineup will include “Delta Dawn'' hitmaker Tanya Tucker, seminal string band Old Crow Medicine Show, country and bluegrass mainstay Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Colorado jamgrass ensemble Yonder Mountain String Band, and many more first-class pickers. Held annually at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Scruggs Fest has quickly become a beloved tradition among fans of Earl Scruggs, the three-finger banjoist who pioneered one of the most popular musical techniques in history. Along with the aforementioned acts, Scruggs Fest looks forward to welcoming returning hosts Jerry Douglas and The Earls of Leicester, plus first-time guests The Steeldrivers, Mighty Poplar, Lindsay Lou, Miko Marks, and nearly a dozen others. See below for a complete 2024 lineup.

Now entering its third year, Earl Scruggs Music Festival was established in partnership with WNCW 88.7 at Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC and the Earl Scruggs Center located in Shelby, NC. According to Bluegrass Today, Scruggs Fest “has already risen to the top tier of annual music festivals.” WMOT in Nashville adds, “[Scruggs’ family] would have been impressed by this tribute to the most influential bluegrass musician in history;” while Grateful Web dubs the festival “a truly exceptional event.” With a standout lineup featuring the best in traditional roots music and progressive fusions, Earl Scruggs Music Festival will continue to illuminate the profound impact that Scruggs had on American culture, while uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices in the genre. A portion of proceeds will support the festival’s beneficiaries, the Earl Scruggs Center and Isothermal Community College, who serve Earl Scruggs’ home region of the Carolina Foothills with cultural programming through multiple channels.

Additional programming to be announced at a later date will include performances by Junior Appalachian Musicians, PacJAM, and more. The festival will once again take place at Tryon International Equestrian Center in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its roster of rotating events including world-class equestrian competitions, festive holiday celebrations, concerts, and more, the immaculate campus will serve as a quintessential backdrop for the festival, which promises on-site lodging, dining, and comfortable amenities throughout the event weekend.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival will occur August 30-September 1, 2024 in Mill Spring, NC. Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with a variety of General Admission and VIP packages available. VIP ticket packages include reserved seating in VIP-exclusive indoor and outdoor spaces, exclusive merchandise items, complimentary refreshments, and more. On-site camping and cabin rentals are also available for reservation via the festival website.

For more details and to stay up-to-date on all things Earl Scruggs Music Festival, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com/.

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Music Festival

WHEN: August 30-September 1, 2024

WHERE: Tryon International Equestrian Center

     25 International Blvd

     Mill Spring, NC 28756

TICKETS: earlscruggsmusicfest.com/tickets

WEBSITE: earlscruggsmusicfest.com

Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2024 Lineup

Hosted By:

Jerry Douglas

The Earls of Leicester

Featuring:

Tanya Tucker

Old Crow Medicine Show

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

Yonder Mountain String Band

The Steeldrivers

Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project

Mighty Poplar

Lindsay Lou

Pony Bradshaw

Darrell Scott’s String Band

Miko Marks

The Grascals

Darin & Brooke Aldridge

AJ Lee & Blue Summit

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

Travis Book Band

Shadowgrass

Casey Driessen's Red Shoe Stringjam

Twisted Pine

Wyatt Ellis

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Carley Arrowood

The Faux Paws

Larry & Joe

Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band

Tanasi

The Wilder Flower

Warren Wilson College Bluegrass Band

Having surpassed a milestone 10th year in operation this January, Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC will resume celebrations with the return of its annual Center Stage Concert Series. Commencing Thursday, March 21 with a performance by IBMA award-winning outfit Tray Wellington Band, and featuring a world-class lineup of Americana and bluegrass mainstays, including Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius, Kristin Scott Benson & Friends, Black Opry Revue, and more, the series is set to kick off this week and continue monthly through August 8. For a complete schedule of events, pricing information, and ticket links, see below.

Earlier this year, Earl Scruggs Center played host to a special anniversary edition of its yearly Remembering Earl benefit concert, which also coincided with the 100th birthday of three-finger banjo pioneer, Earl Scruggs. The one-night revue included performances by GRAMMY-winning bluegrass ensemble The Travelin’ McCourys, esteemed banjoist Tony Trischka and unrivaled dobro master Jerry Douglas. Taking place at Shelby’s Malcolm Brown Auditorium, just down the road from the small community where Scruggs was born and raised, the event was part of a widespread effort to memorialize the legacy and international impact of the singular bluegrass picker.

With a whirlwind year ahead, Earl Scruggs Center looks forward to showcasing an array of talent at its forthcoming Center Stage Concert Series. Founded in 2014, the first-rate facility boasts an immersive, all ages museum and multipurpose event space which plays host to a variety of programming year-round. In addition to its unique display of permanent exhibits, the Scruggs Center also regularly features a number of rotating presentations that further explore Earl Scruggs’ comprehensive career, personal history, and cultural impact. To learn more about Earl Scruggs Center and its current offerings, visit www.earlscruggscenter.org.

Tickets to Earl Scruggs Center Presents – Center Stage Concert Series are on sale now. A limited number of season passes are available while supplies last. For tickets, visit http://earlscruggscenter.org/events/.

Earl Scruggs Center – Center Stage Concert Series 2024 Lineup

March 21 - Tray Wellington Band

April 16 - Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius

May 21 - Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth

June 20 - Black Opry Revue

July 18 - Larry & Joe

August 8 - Kristin Scott Benson & Friends

WHAT: Earl Scruggs Center Presents – Center Stage Concert Series

DATES: March 21; April 16; May 23; June 20; July 18; August 8

TIME: All Shows Begin at 6:00 PM

WHERE: Earl Scruggs Center (103 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC 28150)

TICKETS: Individual Show $30-35; Season Passes $160-175

TICKET PURCHASE LINK: earlscruggscenter.org/events/

EARL SCRUGGS CENTER WEBSITE: earlscruggscenter.org

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival has added Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs, Le Vent du Nord, and Missy Raines and Allegheny to its jam-packed 2024 lineup. Returning to the idyllic grounds of Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY, July 17-21, the 24th installment of the beloved bluegrass gathering promises an unforgettable weekend featuring a treasure trove of first-time guests as well as familiar Grey Fox veterans. Among this year’s docket are multiple GRAMMY winners Del McCoury Band and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, GRAMMY nominees The Steeldrivers and Yonder Mountain String Band, and dozens more. Tickets are on sale now via the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival website. See below for a complete lineup, ticket information, and more.

Dry Branch Fire Squad, the festival’s longtime host outfit, will once again deliver top-notch entertainment and storytelling throughout the weekend, while newly minted artist-in-residence Della Mae are poised for a number of enthralling cameos across several stages. Also appearing at the 24th annual Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival will be GRAMMY-nominated, three-time IBMA-winning all-star female supergroup Sister Sadie, Celtic-rock sensation SCYTHIAN, singer-songwriter and guitarist Charlie Parr, decorated multi-instrumentalist Brennen Leigh, and numerous others.

Committed to uplifting fresh and noteworthy voices alongside their legacy counterparts, Grey Fox is proud to share its 2024 class of Emerging Artists––hand-selected from dozens of applicants from around the globe––including trailblazing South Korean bluegrass group Country GongBang (the most recent recipient of the IBMA International Band Performance Grant Program), plus The Clements Brothers, Into The Fog, The Cross-Eyed Possum, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, Mild Goose Chase, and graduates of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music.

Each year, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival offers a distinct experience unlike any other. Now in its third consecutive decade of operation, music lovers from every corner of the U.S., Canada, and beyond look forward to savoring the magic of the weekend with first-rate musical performances and unique collaborations, jamming, campsite reunions, dancing, and crafts, all beneath a breathtaking horizon. Known for its diverse array of on-site activities––both official and off-the-cuff––including music and dance workshops, family-friendly entertainment, a songwriting lab, yoga, meditation, and multicultural culinary vendors––Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is the ultimate getaway for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival––an annual gathering of bluegrass, newgrass, and roots music––celebrates its 24th year this July 17-21 in Oak Hill, NY. Single-Day and Weekend passes are on sale now. Camping gates open Wednesday, July 17 at 7am. Day gates open at 7am Thursday through Sunday.

WHAT: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17-Sunday, July 21, 2024

WHERE: 1 Poultney Road, Oak Hill, NY 12460

TICKETS: $90-330 (Free for 12 + under)

TICKET PURCHASE LINK: bit.ly/GreyFox24Tix

FESTIVAL WEBSITE: GreyFoxBluegrass.com

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2024 Lineup

Hosted by Dry Branch Fire Squad

Della Mae (Artist-in-Residence)

Del McCoury Band

Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Tony Trischka’s EarlJam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs

Yonder Mountain String Band

The Steeldrivers

Hawktail

The Travelin’ McCourys

The Gibson Brothers

Sister Sadie

I Draw Slow (Ireland)

Shadowgrass

Sam Grisman Project

Wyatt Ellis

Darol Anger & Bruce Molsky

Charlie Parr

The Mammals

SCYTHIAN

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

Missy Raines and Allegheny

Pine Leaf Boys

Charm City Junction

Casey Driessen’s Red Shoe Stringjam

Brennen Leigh

The Faux Paws

Joe Newberry

Le Vent du Nord (Montréal, CA)

Twisted Pine

Mike+Ruthy (of The Mammals)

Pictrola

Zoe & Cloyd

Unspoken Tradition

John, Trish & Quickstep

Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys

Mark Gamsjager & The Lustre Kings

Mild Goose Chase

Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne (Dublin, IE)

Country GongBang (Korea)

The Cross-Eyed Possum

Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light

Into The Fog

The Clements Brothers

Berklee American Roots Music Showcase

Following a knockout inaugural event, AVLFest returns to over two dozen stages in Asheville for another unforgettable celebration August 1-4, 2024. Presented by Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds, the second annual AVLFest gathering will feature a tour-de-force of world class talent including national mainstays Papadosio, Beachwood Sparks, Blitzen Trapper, S.G. Goodman, and a number of native acts including newcomers Town Mountain, returning favorites River Whyless, and many more. Tickets to AVLFest are on sale now at avlfest.com. See below for the staggering initial lineup, and stay tuned for additional announcements forthcoming.

AVLFest will bring non-stop entertainment to area residents and visitors alike for a second year in a row August 1-4. Performance showcases are set to take place throughout the weekend, with wristbands granting passholders priority entry to all AVLFest host venues, as well discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants. New for this year––in lieu of any separately ticketed stand alone headliners, all AVLFest performances are included in the weekend pass. Showcases are set to take place at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues including The Outpost, The Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle, and newly-participating establishments including Eulogy and Jack of the Wood.

"Our community showed their belief and support in our first AVLFest in 2023,” shares Cory Cunningham, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing of Wicked Weed Brewing. “...be it through our world-class venue participation and partnership, the local, regional, and national musicians who showcased their creative spirits, our premier sponsors of Explore Asheville, Bears BBQ, and FIRC Group through their unwavering support, and above all each and every passholder from near and far who chose to spend their dollars to join us. We are beyond thrilled to partner with everyone once again for another year; celebrating everything Asheville has to offer through the medium of live music in 2024."

AVLFest is proud to announce that a portion of proceeds from its 2024 festival will benefit Asheville Music Professionals, a local nonprofit driving education, advocacy, and collaboration in the western North Carolina music community.

$135 GA and $250 VIP Weekend passes are available now. Local patrons who would like to support AVLFest while sparing online ticketing fees can now purchase AVLFest passes in person at Harvest Records and Records in the RAD. To learn more about AVLFest, explore the lineup, or purchase passes online, visit avlfest.com and follow along at @AVLFest on Instagram and Facebook.

Colorado jam-grass titans Yonder Mountain String Band reflect on over two decades of music-making with the surprise reveal of I’d Like Off, a formerly unreleased collection and one of the last studio projects featuring the group’s original lineup: Adam Aijala, Dave Johnston, Ben Kaufmann, and the late Jeff Austin. Out today on all digital streaming platforms, the five track EP offers a unique glimpse into a crucial chapter of the band’s extensive history, underlining its steadfast chemistry and dedication to honest, benevolent songcraft.

Known for its high-octane live show and bold, expressive approach to bluegrass music, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to push the boundaries of the genre while casting light upon some of life’s less-than-storybook moments. Written, recorded, and performed over a decade ago––during a time when mental health awareness and support structures did not commonly exist within the music industry––the songs that make up I’d Like Off are a valiant representation of the darkness we all harbor, bolstered by the necessary delivery of profound compassion and care.

Though YMSB fans are no stranger to these compositions, as they appear regularly in live shows, the studio recordings were first tracked at the tail end of 2010 and maintain their significance as an illuminating relic from the band’s anthology. More recently, the group released its GRAMMY-nominated ninth studio album, Get Yourself Outside, which simultaneously saw the introduction of a new member, mandolinist Nick Piccininni. As it finds its footing as a reinvented touring outfit, the band maintains a grounded philosophy on change; one that honors the past while looking optimistically toward the future.

The opening number, “Ripcord Blues,” promotes reclaiming control over one’s power, even in the face of our instinctual reactivity, while the stirring track “What the Night Brings” highlights the consequences of perilous temptations. The refreshingly upbeat “Pockets,'' offers a more lighthearted perspective on navigating uncertainty with humor and levity, and “Don’t Lean on Me” gives voice to broken relationships and failures to see eye-to-eye. Rounding out the collection is the title song, “I’d Like Off,” which hinges on the unsettling realization that true mental health involves confronting challenges that are not easily overcome.

While the aforementioned arrangements do not encompass the entirety of those pivotal recording sessions, the five tracks comprising I’d Like Off offer a poignant reminder to learn from one’s experiences, empathize with the struggles you observe in others, and do your damndest to rise above the hopelessness that sometimes overwhelms the human experience.

I’d Like Off from Yonder Mountain String Band is out today on all digital streaming platforms. The group, now featuring Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston, Nick Piccininni, and Coleman Smith, is on tour now, with dates confirmed through mid-December. To learn more about Yonder Mountain String Band, view tour dates, and more, visit YonderMountain.com.

I’d Like Off Track List

Ripcord Blues

What the Night Brings

Pockets

Don’t Lean on Me

I’d Like Off

YMSB 2024 Tour Dates

04/02 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bourbon Room Hollywood

04/03 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up

04/04 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s

04/05 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole

04/06 – Flagstaff, AZ – Yucca North

04/07 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee

04/20 – Huntsville Park,  AL – MidCity District’s Crawfish Festival

05/10 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House

05/11 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House

05/15 – Minneapolis, MN – Dakota

05/16 – Minneapolis, MN – Dakota

05/17-05/18 – Clive, IA – Greenbelt Music Festival

05/23 – Cumberland, MD – DelFest

05/31-06/02 – Wellston, MI – Hoxeyville Music Festival

06/13-06/15 – Weiser, ID – Weiser River Music Fest

07/02 – Fairport, NY – Perinton Center Park Amphitheater

07/03 – King of Prussia, PA – Heuser Park

07/05 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage

07/06 – Vienna, VA – Filene Center Wolf Trap

07/18-07/21 – Oak Hill, NY – Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

08/03 – Fairlee, VT – Lake Morey Concert Series

08/14 – Gunnison, CO – I Bar Ranch

08/16 – Denver, CO – Levitt Pavilion

08/17 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater

08/18 – Vail, CO – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

08/22 – New Berlin, IL – Danenberger Family Vineyards

08/30-09/01 – Mill Spring, NC – Earl Scrugg Music Festival

09/12-09/15 – Las Vegas, NV – Bender Jamboree

09/13-09/15 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pickin’ In The Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival

09/22 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond

10/11 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns

10/12 – Steelville, MO – Wildwood Springs Lodge

12/12-12/16 – Puerto Morelos, MX – Strings & Sol

The countdown is on! MerleFest, presented by Window World, is almost here. With just one week to go until music fans from all walks of life gather for the annual springtime pilgrimage to Wilkesboro, NC, the anticipation is as palpable as ever. As an enthusiastic crew of staff and volunteers make the final preparations for this year’s event, first timers and longtime attendees alike are busy reviewing the recently-announced stage schedules, downloading the official MerleFest mobile app, and planning their ideal, music-filled weekend.

Next weekend, April 25-28, marks MerleFest’s 36th festival, and there is no shortage of fun to look forward to. With world class performances by headlining acts Old Crow Medicine Show, Turnpike Troubadours, The Teskey Brothers, and Nickel Creek; returning appearances by MerleFest fixtures Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester, and John Cowan, to name a few; awe-inspiring youth talent à la the Acoustic Kids Showcase; The Waybacks’ legendary Album Hour; and jam opportunities for pickers of all levels, the 2024 installment of MerleFest promises to deliver an experience that is nothing short of unforgettable.

There are only a few days left to take part in the fourth annual MerleFest Mega Raffle in support of the Wilkes Community College scholarship fund. Over $140,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded, and ONLY 3,000 tickets will be sold, so act quickly! Raffle ticket holders do not have to be present to win, with the live drawing taking place Sunday, April 28, at the MerleFest Raffle/Silent Auction Tent at 2:00 p.m. Winners will be notified via email and phone to confirm the prize. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two entries to the MerleFest Mega Raffle drawings.

Secure your Mega Raffle tickets here https://merlefest.org/megaraffle/.

MerleFest 2024 tickets are available now. Festivalgoers can save money by purchasing their tickets in advance of the festival’s opening day, April 25th. For general admission passes, as well as patio seating, reserved seating, camping, parking, and more, please visit merlefest.org/purchase.